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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1969.177.30
Title
Double Hand
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture
Date
n.d.
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Africa, Egypt (Ancient)
Culture
Unidentified culture
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304311

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Mixed copper alloy
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
14.1 x 1.6 x 0.8 cm (5 9/16 x 5/8 x 5/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Mixed Copper Alloy:
Cu, 72.03; Sn, 2.94; Pb, 5.42; Zn, 18.54; Fe, 0.62; Ni, 0.09; Ag, 0.1; Sb, 0.08; As, 0.15; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, 0.021; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, 0.004
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is dark brown with bright metal visible. The surface is very well preserved, and there is no etching, corrosion, or evidence of long-term burial. The surface does show evidence of wear.

A depression on the back is the result of casting the object by pouring metal into an open mold. Striations are present from touching up the grooves between the fingers and ribs with an abrasive tool.


Henry Lie

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Harry J. Denberg, New York, NY (by 1969), gift; to the Fogg Art Museum, 1969.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Harry J. Denberg
Accession Year
1969
Object Number
1969.177.30
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
A finial, perhaps representing a stylized hand, appears at either end of this molded bar. The finials are broad and irregular, but each has five points, joined by metal between them. On one finial, the space between the points is carved out on both sides, while on the other it is only carved out on one side. The bar is not symmetrical. The central portion has a shape like a baseball bat, swollen at one end. Between the central portion and the finial on each side are a series of raised rings, seven on the thicker end, and five on the other.

Although the use of a double-handed tool is not known, Roman instruments with a hand at one end are known (1).

NOTES:

1. See M. Garsson, ed., Une histoire d’alliage: Les bronzes antiques des réserves du Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne, exh. cat. (Marseille, 2004) 53, no. 116.


Lisa M. Anderson

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