Western Asiatic Bronze Bell with Ring-Shaped Suspension Loop - 6 cm

An ancient **bronze bell attributed to the Iron Age metalworking tradition of Luristan in western Iran**, dating approximately to the 9th–7th century BC.

The small bell has a hollow, conical body with gently curved sides, widening towards a broad, almost circular lower opening.

At the top is a substantial **integrally cast ring-shaped suspension loop**, connected to the bell by a short, constricted neck. The loop has a clearly defined central perforation and would originally have allowed the bell to be suspended from a cord, strap or other fitting.

Immediately below the neck is a small, approximately circular opening in the upper wall of the bell. Its original purpose cannot be determined with certainty, although it may have been associated with the bell's construction or suspension mechanism.

The lower part of the body is decorated with **two narrow horizontal grooves**, forming a simple ornamental border above the open rim.

The underside is completely open, revealing the hollow interior. The original clapper, if present, is no longer preserved.

The bell is distinguished by its compact proportions, pronounced suspension ring and restrained geometric decoration.

Cultural Context and Dating

The bronze-working traditions of **Luristan, in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran**, are particularly associated with the production of weapons, horse equipment, personal ornaments and small functional bronze objects during the early 1st millennium BC.

Bronze bells and suspension fittings formed part of the wider repertoire of ancient Near Eastern metalwork.

Such bells may have been attached to animal harnesses or other equipment, although alternative practical or symbolic uses cannot be excluded.

The present example is attributed on stylistic and typological grounds to the **Luristan Iron Age tradition, probably circa 900–600 BC**.

In the absence of a documented archaeological find context, a more precise dating or functional attribution cannot be established.

Surface and Patina

The bronze displays an attractive **greenish-brown patina**, with darker areas of oxidation and localised earthy and mineral encrustations.

The surface shows natural irregularities, age-related wear and areas of corrosion.

The patinated surface emphasises the simple conical form, substantial suspension loop and horizontal decoration around the lower rim.

## Condition

**Good condition considering its considerable age.**

The hollow bell-shaped body and ring-shaped suspension loop are preserved.

The surface displays age-related wear, minor irregularities, corrosion and mineral deposits.

The small opening below the suspension loop remains clearly visible, while the incised horizontal grooves around the lower rim are partially preserved beneath the surface deposits.

The interior retains darker corrosion and earthy encrustations.

**The original clapper is not preserved.**

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.