Miniature Ibex

JewelryIranian10th-8th century BCE

Miniature Ibex

10th-8th century BCE

Description

This pendant is in the shape of a stylized ram or ibex standing frontally. The animal’s short, simple horns curl slightly backward on top of the head, not quite like either a ram or an ibex. It has a simple triangular head with no other details rendered, short rounded legs that taper to a point, and a downward-pointing tail. The body tapers toward the midsection, and then expands to the rump. There is a transverse hole through the body for suspension rather than a loop.

Classification

Jewelry

Technique

Cast, lost-wax process

Medium

Leaded bronze

Culture

Iranian

Period

Iron Age

Century

10th-8th century BCE

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics

Dimensions

2.3 x 2.9 x 1.3 cm (7/8 x 1 1/8 x 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

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Miniature Ibex | Harvard Art Museums | KenAI