Western Asiatic Bronze Ornamental Pin with Double Bird-Head Finial - 7 cm

A finely decorated Luristan bronze ornamental pin with an elaborate double bird-head finial, attributed to the Iron Age of Western Iran, circa 900–600 BC.

The upper section is formed by two symmetrically arranged bird heads facing in opposite directions. Each head features a strongly curved, downward-pointing beak reminiscent of a bird of prey.

Particularly distinctive are the prominent circular eyes, surrounded by concentric raised rings. Two rounded projections rise above the heads, further emphasising the symmetrical composition.

Beneath the bird heads, the ornament narrows into a short neck before expanding into a broad, approximately oval, shield-shaped central section.

This section is decorated with several raised circular and concentric motifs, arranged across the surface. The individual ornaments vary slightly in size and relief, creating a richly textured appearance.

The lower part of the shield-shaped element is defined by horizontal decorative bands, followed by a short cylindrical section with several moulded rings.

Below this, the object continues into the surviving fragment of its original pin shaft.

The combination of opposing bird heads, circular relief decoration and strongly profiled ornamental elements gives the piece a distinctive sculptural character.

Cultural Context and Dating

The bronze-working traditions of Luristan in the Zagros Mountains of Western Iran are particularly well known for their elaborate metal objects, including weapons, horse fittings, personal ornaments and decorative pins.

Animal imagery played an important role in the artistic repertoire of the region. Stylised birds, wild goats and other animals frequently appear in symmetrical or highly ornamental compositions.

The arrangement of two opposing animal heads is a recurring feature of ancient Iranian bronze ornamentation.

The present example combines this characteristic symmetrical design with a richly decorated central section featuring circular motifs and horizontal bands.

On stylistic and typological grounds, the object may be attributed to the Luristan bronze-working tradition of the Iron Age, broadly circa 900–600 BC.

Without a documented archaeological find context, a more precise date or workshop attribution cannot be established.

Function

The object is interpreted as an ornamental or dress pin, originally fitted with a longer metal shaft.

Decorative bronze pins were used in ancient Western Iran as personal accessories and could serve both practical and ornamental purposes.

The elaborate double bird-head finial suggests that the decorative upper section was an important feature of the original object.

Although birds of prey and other animal motifs could carry symbolic associations in ancient Near Eastern art, no specific religious or protective meaning can be securely assigned to this example.

Surface and Patina

The bronze displays an attractive green to blue-green patina, with darker green areas and localised brown corrosion deposits.

Earthy and mineral accretions remain visible in several areas, particularly around the recessed ornamentation and the lower section.

The raised circular eyes, curved beaks, concentric motifs and horizontal decorative bands remain clearly recognisable beneath the surface deposits.

The varied patina and mineral encrustations emphasise the relief decoration and sculptural modelling of the finial.

Condition

Ancient object in fragmentary condition, with the decorated upper section substantially preserved.

Both bird heads, including their curved beaks and prominent circular eyes, are recognisable.

The shield-shaped central section retains its circular relief ornaments and horizontal decorative bands.

The original pin shaft is incomplete, with only a short, corroded section surviving below the decorative finial.

Age-related surface wear, minor irregularities, localised corrosion and mineral deposits are present throughout.

Possible adhesive residues may be present on the object, particularly on the reverse and around the mounting area.

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

The modern stand is used solely for display and is not part of the ancient object.

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.