Animal Figurine

Artist Unidentified artist

CultureIranian, Luristan

Datec. 900-700 BCE

Mediumbronze

Dimensions9/16 x 1 5/16 x 7/16 in. (1.4 x 3.3 x 1.1 cm)

Classificationssculpture

Credit LineGift of John A. Wedda

Terms

Object number2002.26.7

DescriptionLong-bodied quadruped with short, rounded ears angled forward, short, rounded nose, small puncture marks for eyes, long neck, and short legs, but no tail. Vertical crease for buttocks, but no other incised detail. Hole crosswise through forelegs for suspension. Simplified figure of an animal, possibly a dog, though the extreme wear makes the species uncertain. For a hole pierced through the body, see similar animal figurines in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. A reclining bronze quadruped found at Nippur and identified as a dog appears similar, but both are quite worn. Elongated bronze dogs with erect ears and short legs have been found at Nimrud and Nippur, in the Enlil Temple. Like them, the Ackland bronze probably had a protective function.

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