PARTHIAN VOTIVE ZOOMORPHIC FIGURINE

Ca. 2nd or 3rd century AD
A bronze zoomorphic figurine or terminal depicts a free-standing, four-legged animal, seemingly resembling a feline, characterized by its graceful, slender legs, alert posture, and prominently raised head. The figurine's eyes are recessed, while its tail is elegantly curled, adding a touch of dynamism to the overall composition. The most intriguing feature of this piece is its long, round-section staff protruding from the animal's back, adorned with polyhedral bulges in the lower and upper portions, culminating in a captivating zoomorphic head with a wide-open mouth. Its elaborate design and refined execution suggest that this piece may have held ceremonial or symbolic value, perhaps being utilized in religious rituals, prestigious ceremonies, or other commemorative occasions. The Parthians, renowned for their military prowess and strategic expertise, were an ancient civilization that thrived from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. They forged a formidable empire, known as the Parthian Empire, which stood as a formidable rival to the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. The Parthians were skilled metalworkers and artisans, and their artistry in bronze casting and other crafts left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of the ancient world.
Size: L:146mm / W:22mm ; 55g
Provenance: Private London collection; formerly acquired in the US in the 1990s.
Estimate: GBP 75 - 150