Iron pin with a silver head, Luristan, 1000 BC

Period: Dating: 1000 BC–700 BC Origin: Middle East, Ancient Iran, Luristan Material: Bronze Physical: 16.1cm. (6.3 in.) - 60 g. (2.1 oz.) Catalog: MET.LL.00014 Links to other views: ⇒ Larger View ⇒ Front if scripting is off, click the ⇒ instead. • • •

A comparable pin at the British Museum was documented as “Iron pin with a cast head of base silver, representing a hero wrestling with two animals. Ancient Iran, Luristan 1000-700 BC.” “An unusual development in jewelry is represented by the bronze pins of Luristan, dated about 1000-700 BC… the pins and other Luristan bronzes are typically decorated with monsters and contorted figures at first sight reminiscent of the patterns used by the nomadic tribes of Central Asia, some of which were infiltrating Iran during this period. Pins had been employed to fasten clothes since at least the Sumerian period, and were to remain indispensable until they were superseded by the brooch or safety-pin (fibula). Some of the pins from Luristan, however, reach an extraordinary size, and it is probable that these were not really designed for wearing at all, but were manufactured specifically as votive jewelry, for dedication in temples” (Tait 1991:53-54). Bibliography (for this item) Tait, Hugh 1991 Jewelry: 7000 Years: An international History and Illustrated Survey from the Collections of the British Museum (republication of the 1987 edtion by H. N. Abrams). Abradale Press, New York, NY. (53-54)