Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE
Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE

Rare Bronze Horse Head from the Biblical Land of Sheba, ca. 2nd century BCE - 1st century CE

MB2101

$3,950 USD
/
  • This object qualifies for free USA shipping and a flat rate fee of $60 if shipping internationally.

from the biblical land of Sheba, a rare cast bronze South Arabian horse protome or dagger handle. The distinctive head with engraved mane and inlaid eyes beneath heavy ribbed brows, the braided harness with blinders behind the eyes, two holes for attachment at the base of the neck.

Originating on the Arabian Peninsula, the fine Arabian horse is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the world. It is also one of the oldest, with archaeological depictions dating back 4,200 years. Throughout history, Arabian horses spread around the world by both war and trade, used to improve other breeds by adding speed, refinement, endurance, and strong bones. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horse.

Legend has it that the Queen of Sheba presented King Solomon with a mare named Safanad, meaning “the pure”. Safanad is believed to be the founding mother of all Arabian horses, the oldest of all horse breeds. According to myth, Safanad was created from the four winds. The animal was endowed with spirit from the North, strength from the South, speed from the East, and intelligence from the West.

Published:  Sotheby's, New York, June 12, 2001, lot 298

Condition: Scattered areas of deep green surface patina on a red-bronze oxide ground. Missing one ear but otherwise in very good condition. Custom mounted. A rare and exciting example for any horse lover.

Dimensions: Height: 4 1/2 inches (11.5 cm)

Provenance:  Deaccessioned from the Santa Barbara Museum, CA, 2001 thereafter a private Florida collection.

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.

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 using either USPS Priority Mail or FedEx but contact us if you have a shipping preference. International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes. 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

You may also like

Come Visit Our Gallery

Any item from this site may be viewed by appointment at our Washington, DC location

Tuesday - Friday between 11 am - 5 pm.

Phone: 202 342 0518

Get directions