A fine Bronze Age ram head pendant cast from bronze. The stylised head of a ram, also known as Argali mountain sheep, is portrayed through a long, curving face, horizontally protruding ears and large, spiral horns. A large loop is displayed at the back of the head for suspension. Earthy encrustation and patination to the amulet. The Bronze Age period, spanning over 2000 years, was signified by the expansive use of bronze. During this time, civilisations would produce the bronze by mixing copper, tin and other metals or would trade their own products for bronze from elsewhere. Bronze was more durable against the other metals available during the time; as such it revolutionised everyday objects ranging from vessels to agricultural tools to weapons. The Near East and Western Asia were the first regions to start using bronze, aiding the rise of cultures such as the Mesopotamian civilisation of Sumer. Luristan bronze, from the province of Lorestan, similarly became renowned in antiquity for its sophisticated bronze-working techniques. Bronze vessels and jewellery, such as this fine piece, would have been used in everyday life but also buried together with the deceased. Measurements: circa L 2.6cm x W 1.7cm Provenance: From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.