Finial with Two Confronted Ibex
9th-8th century BCE
Description
This finial is comprised of two rampant, confronted ibexes, joined at the forelimbs and hindlimbs around rings that would have once held the pin of the finial. The ibexes are very stylized and slender (the cast seems to be solid). On the back of each ibex is a smaller animal (both male), with simple rod-like limbs, curving body, a tail attached to the back, and cylindrical head; details on the head include flattened leaf-shaped ears, a slight indication of eyes, and slender tongues that touch the back ridge of the larger animals. The ibexes appear to stand on the lower ring, limbs curving up to join their cylindrical torsos. Their long, twisted tails connect to the ring as well. The bodies and necks form an S-shape. The forelimbs are rods that touch the ring and then bend down toward the midsections. A ridge of raised bumps follows the spine of the necks. The heads are long, with high pointed ears, raised dots for eyes, and cylindrical snouts. The lower jaws or tongues are rendered as double spirals. The long curving antlers have a series of raised bosses.
Dimensions
15.4 x 10.2 x 1.5 cm (6 1/16 x 4 x 9/16 in.)
Provenance
Private Collection, Boston, (by 1931), gift; to the Fogg Art Museum, 1931.
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