WESTERN ASIATIC BRONZE HORSE BIT WITH MASTER OF ANIMALS

WESTERN ASIATIC BRONZE HORSE BIT WITH MASTER OF ANIMALS
Ca. 1200 - 800 BCAn elaborate horse bit decorated with two openwork panels that incorporates a five-figure scheme. In the centre, the horned Master of Animals stands flanked by two birds surmounted by winged mythical beasts on their hind legs with long, curved horns. The Master of Animals motif, depicting a human or godlike figure was a prevalent symbol in the art of the Ancient Near East, Egypt, and particularly in Luristan socitey. This motif symbolises the intricate relationship between nomadic peoples and the natural world, reflecting their reliance on herding, animal husbandry, and hunting for their livelihoods. For similar see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Accession Number: 57.51.40a–c.Size: 180mm x 110mm; Weight: 525gProvenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.This piece is accompanied by a historical report from Alessandro Neri, an international Cultural Heritage expert based in Florence, Italy.