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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.49
Title
Standing Male Figure of Spike Type
Other Titles
Alternate Title: Male Figure
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
statuette, sculpture
Date
14th-13th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Anatolia
Period
Hittite Empire period
Culture
Syro-Hittite
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304200

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
6.3 x 1.8 x 1.5 cm (2 1/2 x 11/16 x 9/16 in.)
Technical Details

Technical Observations: The statuette is a solid cast. The lower portion of the body below the arms appears to have been worked by hot working, cold working, or both to form the pointed tip. The statuette is largely intact with some damage to the bottom and the top of the head. The patina is a smooth brown with areas of green corrosion, and there are tan burial deposits on most green areas.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.49
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This statuette consists of a round head atop a pointed peg-like body that tapers to the bottom. It is uncertain whether the end was broken or was intended to bifurcate into tiny feet. A pair of arms extends horizontally forward from the shoulders. The large head consists of a prominent nose and chin and two pellet-shaped eyes in relief, which are flanked by prominent oval tabs representing ears that bend forward on either side of the head. The top of the head ends in a pointed conical shape.
This figure, with its large head, prominent nose, eyes and ears, and pointed head or cap, characterizes yet another variation of the pointed-body type of Syro-Hittite votive image; it probably represents a deity.

David G. Mitten

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu