Western Asiatic Bronze Ornamental Pin with Openwork Spindle-Shaped Finial - 18 cm

A finely cast Luristan bronze ornamental pin with an elaborate openwork spindle-shaped finial, attributed to the Iron Age of Western Iran, circa 900–600 BC.

The pin features a long, slender shaft surmounted by a distinctive, three-dimensional openwork head of elongated oval form.

The finial consists of curved bronze ribs connected by prominent horizontal bars, creating a series of triangular openings. This carefully structured arrangement gives the head a striking architectural appearance while maintaining an elegant and balanced silhouette.

The uppermost section terminates in a small rounded knob supported by a short, tapering neck.

Below the openwork head, several pronounced moulded collars and raised circular bands form a decorative transition to the slender shaft.

The shaft extends downwards in a straight, tapering form, providing an attractive contrast to the elaborate openwork construction above.

Particularly appealing is the combination of the geometric openwork design, strongly profiled bronze elements and naturally developed green surface patina.

Cultural Context and Dating

Luristan, situated in the Zagros Mountains of Western Iran, is renowned for its distinctive bronze-working traditions during the late second and early first millennia BC.

The region produced a wide variety of cast bronze objects, including weapons, horse fittings, jewellery, dress accessories and ornamental pins.

Decorative bronze pins formed an important part of this artistic tradition. Their finials range from simple geometric forms to elaborate openwork constructions and animal representations.

The present example belongs stylistically to the group of Luristan bronze pins with geometrically constructed finials, characterised by their openwork elements, moulded collars and elongated shafts.

A comparable Luristan bronze hairpin, dated to approximately 900–600 BC, is recorded by the Barakat Gallery, inventory number X.0676.

On typological grounds, the present piece may be attributed to the Iron Age II–III, circa 900–600 BC. A more precise date or archaeological origin cannot be established without documented find circumstances.

Function

Bronze pins of this general type are traditionally identified as hairpins, dress pins or ornamental accessories.

They may have been used to secure hairstyles or garments, while their elaborate decorative finials also provided a visually prominent element of personal adornment.

The substantial openwork head of the present example suggests that its ornamental appearance was an important aspect of its design.

Condition

Good condition considering its considerable age. Possible adhesive residues may be present on the object,

The pin retains its elaborate openwork finial, moulded collars and long tapering shaft.

The bronze displays a pronounced dark green to green-brown patina, with areas of mineral encrustation, oxidation and earthy deposits.

The openwork finial shows age-related surface corrosion and minor irregularities along the ribs and openings. The raised circular mouldings remain clearly defined.

The shaft displays surface wear, corrosion and minor irregularities consistent with the condition of the object.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

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.