A small Luristan bronze openwork Harness Bell, ca. 1000 – 700 BCE
This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $75 if shipping internationally.
A rare Luristan openwork bronze bell composed of eight vertical ribs converging at the top beneath a narrow neck terminating in a pierced suspension loop. The spherical cage encloses a free-moving clapper.
Luristan bronze bells of this type are generally interpreted as horse harness fittings or chariot ornaments. They were suspended from strap junctions, cheekpieces, or harness plaques to produce a soft jingling sound as the horses moved—serving both a practical signaling purpose and a symbolic or apotropaic one. The sound was thought to ward off evil and protect the animals and riders.
For a related example, see: Muscarella, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1988, pl. 96-101, pgs. 67-68.
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: Height: 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm)
Condition: Covered in a mottled green patina with areas of cuprite and earthen accretion. Intact with minor encrustation that does not detract.
Provenance: Alex Malloy collection acquired in the 1980s - 1990s.
QUESTIONS? Just click the Contact Us tab on your right.
We ship Tuesday to Friday with FedEx and usually same day if your order is received before 2pm. Within the continental USA, packing, shipping and insurance is free. Depending on size and destination, delivery times range from one to five business days.
For overseas shipments we charge a small flat rate which includes packing, preparation of all customs paperwork, insurance and carrier fees in compliance with all USA and International customs requirements.
Overseas shipments are sent via FedEx, DHL, or UPS International Priority, so contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.
Sands of Time provides a lifetime, unconditional guarantee of authenticity and provenance. Every object you purchase from us is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, stating culture, provenance, and age.
Furthermore, we conduct due diligence to ensure the item, to the best of our knowledge, has not been illegally obtained from an excavation, architectural monument, public institution, or private property. Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.Wherever possible, reference is made to existing collections or publications.
Choose options
Recently viewed
COME VISIT US!
1002 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington DC. 20007
Tues - Fri, 10:00am - 6:00pm
Sat/Sun/Mon By appointment
A trusted source for collectors, curators, and connoisseurs for over 30 years.
