Bronze Age Bronze Ibex figurine (No reserve price)
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17
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Current bid
€ 15
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €15 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €10 | |
| €1 |
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Ibex figurine in bronze from the Bronze Age (c. 1600–1000 B.C.), 40 × 27 mm, in good condition, from a Dutch private collection and acquired in 2024, with certificate of authenticity and export license.
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Description from the seller
ITEM: Ibex figurine
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Bronze Age
PERIOD: 1600 - 1000 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 27 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, collected before 1990s
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
The bronze ibex statuettes from Luristan, dating primarily from the early 1st millennium BCE (c. 1000–650 BCE), represent some of the most celebrated masterworks of the ancient Near Eastern Iron Age. Crafted by nomadic or semi-nomadic metallurgists in the mountainous Zagros region of western Iran, these small-scale sculptures are renowned for their sophisticated lost-wax casting and distinctive stylization. The wild ibex—a native mountain goat distinguished by its sweeping, exaggeratedly curved horns—served as a central motif in Luristan art, symbolizing grace, agility, and the wild power of the natural world that surrounded these ancient pastoral communities.
Artistically, these statuettes balance naturalistic observation with bold decorative abstraction. Master metalsmiths emphasized the animal's defining traits, particularly the majestic, ridged horns that often form dramatic sweeping arcs, sometimes looping back to merge seamlessly with the body or crest. Whether cast as freestanding figurines, elaborate vessel handles, or ornamental finials (often paired symmetrically or stylized as "Master of Animals" iconography), the pieces display an extraordinary sense of fluid rhythm and tension. Despite their compact, portable size—tailored to a mobile lifestyle—they convey remarkable presence and monumental proportion.
Functionally and culturally, Luristan bronzes were frequently deposited in elite burials as grave goods, suggesting a deeply ritualistic or apotropaic significance. The ibex statuettes were likely tied to religious beliefs concerning fertility, protection, and the spiritual relationship between humans and the highland fauna. Beyond their votive or symbolic roles, many served utilitarian purposes as cheekpieces for horse bits, pin heads, or standards mounted on stone bases. Today, these intricate bronze artifacts remain enduring symbols of the technical brilliance and artistic imagination of the Zagros mountain metalworkers.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Ibex figurine
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Bronze Age
PERIOD: 1600 - 1000 B.C
DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 27 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, collected before 1990s
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license
The bronze ibex statuettes from Luristan, dating primarily from the early 1st millennium BCE (c. 1000–650 BCE), represent some of the most celebrated masterworks of the ancient Near Eastern Iron Age. Crafted by nomadic or semi-nomadic metallurgists in the mountainous Zagros region of western Iran, these small-scale sculptures are renowned for their sophisticated lost-wax casting and distinctive stylization. The wild ibex—a native mountain goat distinguished by its sweeping, exaggeratedly curved horns—served as a central motif in Luristan art, symbolizing grace, agility, and the wild power of the natural world that surrounded these ancient pastoral communities.
Artistically, these statuettes balance naturalistic observation with bold decorative abstraction. Master metalsmiths emphasized the animal's defining traits, particularly the majestic, ridged horns that often form dramatic sweeping arcs, sometimes looping back to merge seamlessly with the body or crest. Whether cast as freestanding figurines, elaborate vessel handles, or ornamental finials (often paired symmetrically or stylized as "Master of Animals" iconography), the pieces display an extraordinary sense of fluid rhythm and tension. Despite their compact, portable size—tailored to a mobile lifestyle—they convey remarkable presence and monumental proportion.
Functionally and culturally, Luristan bronzes were frequently deposited in elite burials as grave goods, suggesting a deeply ritualistic or apotropaic significance. The ibex statuettes were likely tied to religious beliefs concerning fertility, protection, and the spiritual relationship between humans and the highland fauna. Beyond their votive or symbolic roles, many served utilitarian purposes as cheekpieces for horse bits, pin heads, or standards mounted on stone bases. Today, these intricate bronze artifacts remain enduring symbols of the technical brilliance and artistic imagination of the Zagros mountain metalworkers.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Bronze Age
Century/timeframe
1600 - 1000 B.C
Name of object
Ibex figurine
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2024
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
