古代 銀 带有牛、豹、鸟和人头浮雕的仪式权杖末端装饰件

注意：由于海关规定，我们只能在欧盟境内运输。请在出价前确保你有有效的欧盟运输地址。\n\nAncient Mediterranean ceremonial silver staff-end with 4 silver appliques showing the busts of a bull, panther, bird and human. The staff end or finial is formed as a hollow cylindrical sleeve, intended to be mounted onto the end of a staff, rod or similar fitting. The exterior is richly decorated with a continuous frieze of three-dimensional animal and human heads. A silver spiral wire wraps around the base.\n\n-> Finials and terminals of this type served not only as decorative fittings, but also as visible markers of status, ceremony, or authority. Bird motifs were widely used in antiquity and could carry protective, symbolic, or prestigious associations.\n\nHeight: ± 50,6 mm\n\nCondition: Good and solid condition, the human bust is restored (re-attached). The surface retains a dark silver patina. The upper rim is irregular and partially broken, showing ancient damage and loss. The overall structure remains solid and stable, the decorative elements are well preserved. \nVery attractive piece. Signs of wear consistent with an ancient artefact.\n\nProvenance: Gerhard Hirsch Auction 257 (2008) No 1771\n\nCertificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).\n\n-> Decorated staff terminals and finials are known from a wide range of ancient cultures, where staffs, sceptres, and rods could serve both practical and symbolic purposes. Beyond their use as walking aids or supports, such objects could denote rank, ritual office, command, or ceremonial presence. The addition of sculptural animal or bird forms elevated these fittings beyond mere utility and gave them a clear visual importance.\n\nBird imagery held a special place in ancient art, often connected with ideas of vigilance, protection, divinity, or communication between earthly and sacred realms. Small but carefully worked objects such as this reflect the way metalworkers transformed functional fittings into prestige items, rich in symbolic character and visual impact.\n\nMaterial:\nThis object has been carefully examined for its material and surface characteristics.\n\nLaboratory analysis (e.g. XRF) is not routinely undertaken in private collecting, and destructive testing is avoided as it causes permanent damage to archaeological material.\n\nBefore modern hallmarking, gold and silver alloys varied depending on local resources, recycling practices and economic conditions.