Luristan Sceptre Head with Winged Figure and Ibex-Headed Serpent. Late 2nd-early 1st millennium B.C. A bronze mace head or sceptre finial comprising a tubular socket and two curved, horn-like projections with geometric ornamentation, one face decorated with a stylised ibex-headed serpent in high-relief with detailing to the horns and face; one face displaying a stylised standing nude male figure, also in high-relief, one arm held to his chest, the other to his side, detailing to his hair, face and body. Cf. Calmeyer, P., Datierbare Bronzen aus Luristan und Kirmanshah, Berlin, 1969, pp.20ff; Muscarella, O.W., Bronze and Iron Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988, p.288, no.395, for a similar mace head. 297 grams, 97 mm (3 7/8 in.) Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by AIAD certificate no.11139-186706. By typology, this finial is related to Calmeyer's group 7, which has a long closed shaft hole adorned with spikes and/or various figures modelled in the round. [A video of this lot is available to view on Timeline Auctions Website]

Fine condition.