Western Asiatic Bronze Horse Bit with Master of Animals Ca. 1200 - 800 BC. An elaborate horse bit decorated with two openwork panels that incorporates a five-figure scheme. In the centre, the horned Master of Animals stands flanked by two birds surmounted by winged mythical beasts on their hind legs with long, curved horns. The Master of Animals motif, depicting a human or godlike figure was a prevalent symbol in the art of the Ancient Near East, Egypt, and particularly in Luristan socitey. This motif symbolises the intricate relationship between nomadic peoples and the natural world, reflecting their reliance on herding, animal husbandry, and hunting for their livelihoods. For similar see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Accession Number: 57.51.40a–c. Size: 180mm x 110mm; Weight: 525g Provenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. This piece is accompanied by a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy. Disclaimer: NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE of THE EUROPEAN UNION. All items will be shipped from Belgium. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller will not ship outside the EU.