Ca. 1200-900 BC. A solid cast bronze protome depicting the upper part of an ibex's body, complete with a finely detailed head, recessed eyes, and prominently curved horns. The term "protome" refers to a sculptural fragment representing the front part of a human or animal figure. In this case, the protome specifically captures the distinctive characteristics of an ibex, a species of wild goat known for its graceful form and impressive horns. The choice of the ibex as the subject of this bronze protome holds significant cultural and symbolic significance. In many ancient Near Eastern societies, the ibex held a revered status and was often associated with concepts such as agility, strength, and wilderness. The selection of the ibex as a subject for artistic representation reflects the admiration and reverence held by the society for the animal's attributes. Size: L:90mm / W:125mm ; 480g Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old London collection formed in the 1990s