Luristan Bronze Idol with Janus-faced Deity

Culture: Iran/Luristan

Period: 8th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 10.2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6639

Provenance: French private collection Nicole and Jean-Michel Thierry, acquired in June 1955 from Koutoulakis in Paris. With a copy of the collection note. Thence in the family estate.

Condition: Intact

Description: Janus-faced bronze idol from Iranian Luristan with a tubular body, which probably served as a handle of a standard. The face on both sides with large round eyes, a long, pointy nose and a small, slightly open mouth with a chin beard. Depicted is possibly a deity, maybe Sraosha, who personifies obedience to Ahura Mazda, the highest god in Zoroastrianism. The figure wears a conically tapering headdress, which is pierced on top for affixing the standard. Spherical ears protrude on the sides s. At the bottom three encircling grooves and a perforation. Mounted.