Western Asiatic Bronze Tubular Idol with Stylised Animal Heads - 6.5 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 650 - € 800
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Western Asiatic bronze tubular idol with stylised zoomorphic decoration dating to circa 8th–7th century BC, height 6.5 cm, in good condition with dark patina and minor wear.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An unusual Luristan bronze tubular idol with elaborate zoomorphic decoration, dating to the Early Iron Age, circa 8th–7th century BC.
The object consists of a tall, approximately cylindrical tubular body with a continuous central opening. The upper section is articulated by several prominent horizontal mouldings, giving the otherwise restrained shaft a strongly profiled appearance.
The lower part develops into an elaborate three-dimensional zoomorphic composition.
Several stylised animal heads and bodies emerge from and surround the base of the tube, creating an almost symmetrical arrangement. Two prominent heads project laterally from the central body, while powerful curved forms below them appear to represent further parts of the intertwined animals.
The animals are characterised by compact heads, short projecting muzzles and clearly indicated ears. Their appearance suggests feline or other predatory animals, although the highly stylised modelling does not permit a secure identification of the species.
The combination of strongly abstracted animal forms, symmetry and a central tubular construction is characteristic of the distinctive bronze-working tradition associated with Luristan in western Iran during the Early Iron Age.
The sculptural quality of the intertwined animals is particularly effective when the object is viewed from different angles.
Typology and Function
Bronze objects of this general form are commonly described as Luristan tubular idols, finials or tubular fittings.
Their central opening indicates that they were originally intended to be mounted on a separate rod, shaft or other support.
The precise original function of individual examples is not always securely established. Such objects have been interpreted within the broader group of Luristan bronze finials and fittings in which practical mounting systems were combined with highly distinctive zoomorphic imagery.
For this reason, the neutral designation “tubular idol / zoomorphic tubular fitting” is appropriate for the present example.
The stylised animal imagery belongs to a well-known visual repertoire of Luristan bronze work, in which animals and composite creatures were frequently transformed into highly abstract and symmetrical sculptural compositions.
Dating
On stylistic and typological grounds, the object is attributed to:
Luristan / Western Iran, Early Iron Age, circa 8th–7th century BC.
Without a documented archaeological find context, a more precise attribution within the Luristan bronze tradition should remain open.
Condition
Good condition considering its considerable age.
The tubular bronze body and the principal zoomorphic elements are preserved.
The surface displays age-related wear, corrosion, minor irregularities and mineral deposits.
The bronze has developed an attractive dark brown to almost black patina, with localised areas of green oxidation and encrustation.
Despite surface wear, the projecting animal heads, intertwined zoomorphic forms and horizontal mouldings remain clearly recognisable.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.
The metal rod visible above and through the object belongs to the modern mounting system and is not part of the ancient bronze. The modern display stand is used solely for presentation and is not included in the sale.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
An unusual Luristan bronze tubular idol with elaborate zoomorphic decoration, dating to the Early Iron Age, circa 8th–7th century BC.
The object consists of a tall, approximately cylindrical tubular body with a continuous central opening. The upper section is articulated by several prominent horizontal mouldings, giving the otherwise restrained shaft a strongly profiled appearance.
The lower part develops into an elaborate three-dimensional zoomorphic composition.
Several stylised animal heads and bodies emerge from and surround the base of the tube, creating an almost symmetrical arrangement. Two prominent heads project laterally from the central body, while powerful curved forms below them appear to represent further parts of the intertwined animals.
The animals are characterised by compact heads, short projecting muzzles and clearly indicated ears. Their appearance suggests feline or other predatory animals, although the highly stylised modelling does not permit a secure identification of the species.
The combination of strongly abstracted animal forms, symmetry and a central tubular construction is characteristic of the distinctive bronze-working tradition associated with Luristan in western Iran during the Early Iron Age.
The sculptural quality of the intertwined animals is particularly effective when the object is viewed from different angles.
Typology and Function
Bronze objects of this general form are commonly described as Luristan tubular idols, finials or tubular fittings.
Their central opening indicates that they were originally intended to be mounted on a separate rod, shaft or other support.
The precise original function of individual examples is not always securely established. Such objects have been interpreted within the broader group of Luristan bronze finials and fittings in which practical mounting systems were combined with highly distinctive zoomorphic imagery.
For this reason, the neutral designation “tubular idol / zoomorphic tubular fitting” is appropriate for the present example.
The stylised animal imagery belongs to a well-known visual repertoire of Luristan bronze work, in which animals and composite creatures were frequently transformed into highly abstract and symmetrical sculptural compositions.
Dating
On stylistic and typological grounds, the object is attributed to:
Luristan / Western Iran, Early Iron Age, circa 8th–7th century BC.
Without a documented archaeological find context, a more precise attribution within the Luristan bronze tradition should remain open.
Condition
Good condition considering its considerable age.
The tubular bronze body and the principal zoomorphic elements are preserved.
The surface displays age-related wear, corrosion, minor irregularities and mineral deposits.
The bronze has developed an attractive dark brown to almost black patina, with localised areas of green oxidation and encrustation.
Despite surface wear, the projecting animal heads, intertwined zoomorphic forms and horizontal mouldings remain clearly recognisable.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.
The metal rod visible above and through the object belongs to the modern mounting system and is not part of the ancient bronze. The modern display stand is used solely for presentation and is not included in the sale.
Provenance
Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.
Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.
The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.
Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.
Details
Culture
Western Asiatic
Century/timeframe
circa 8th–7th century BC
Name of object
Tubular Idol with Stylised Animal Heads
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
6.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
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.
