A rare Luristan openwork bronze bell composed of eight vertical ribs converging at the top beneath a narrow neck terminating in a pierced suspension loop. The spherical cage encloses a free-moving clapper. Luristan bronze bells of this type are generally interpreted as horse harness fittings or chariot ornaments. They were suspended from strap junctions, cheekpieces, or harness plaques to produce a soft jingling sound as the horses moved—serving both a practical signaling purpose and a symbolic or apotropaic one. The sound was thought to ward off evil and protect the animals and riders. For a related example, see: Muscarella, Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1988, pl. 96-101, pgs. 67-68. Medium: Bronze Dimensions: Height: 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm) Condition: Covered in a mottled green patina with areas of cuprite and earthen accretion. Intact with minor encrustation that does not detract. Provenance: Alex Malloy collection acquired in the 1980s - 1990s.
