Iranian Bronze Figure of a Female Deity

Culture: Iranian

Period: 8th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 10.3 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6115

Provenance: French private collection, acquired in the 1960s.

Condition: Beautiful patina, intact.

Description: Bronze attachment depicting a stylized figure of a female deity. Eyes and nose are very plastically worked out, the ears are positioned far in the back and carrying large pendants. The goddess’ hands are placed on her stomach. She is wearing abundant jewelry around her neck, the pointy breasts are clearly visible sideways thereof. The legs are short and the feet are facing to the front. On the back two eyelets for suspension. On the bottom a pierced attachment suggesting that once the figure was part of a larger standard. The perforation on the head indicates a further attachment, possibly of a different material. Depictions of fertility goddesses are widely common in Iran of the 1st millennium B.C. They were not only found on cult standards, but also as decoration on chariots or as decoration on bridles and harness for parades and ritual activities.