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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.40
Title
Miniature Ibex
Classification
Jewelry
Work Type
pendant
Date
10th-8th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Iran
Period
Iron Age
Culture
Iranian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/310315

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Leaded bronze
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
2.3 x 2.9 x 1.3 cm (7/8 x 1 1/8 x 1/2 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Leaded Bronze:
Cu, 75.23; Sn, 6.92; Pb, 16.14; Zn, 0.03; Fe, 0.12; Ni, 0.09; Ag, 0.1; Sb, 0.76; As, 0.61; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.01; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The surface is smooth and worn with an even, dark green patina and traces of tan burial accretion in the less exposed areas.

The object is a solid cast made by the lost-wax process. Remains of possible seam lines or flashes are located between the legs. It is not clear how the transverse hole was formed, although it would have been easier to make it in the wax than in the metal.


Francesca G. Bewer (submitted 2012)

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
1992.256.40
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
This pendant is in the shape of a stylized ram or ibex standing frontally. The animal’s short, simple horns curl slightly backward on top of the head, not quite like either a ram or an ibex. It has a simple triangular head with no other details rendered, short rounded legs that taper to a point, and a downward-pointing tail. The body tapers toward the midsection, and then expands to the rump. There is a transverse hole through the body for suspension rather than a loop.

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Related Works

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