Luristan Bronze Toggle Cloak Pin

Ancient Near East, Luristan, c. 1200–800 BC, Northwestern Iran

Magnificent, conical cast bronze toggle pin with an integrated eyelet above the middle. Luristan bronzes are small cast objects from the Early Iron Age which have been found in considerable quantities in the Harsin, Khorramābād, and Alishtar valleys of the Zagros Mountains in the Lorestān region of western Iran. They include a great number of ornaments, tools, weapons, horse-fittings, jewelry, belt buckles, and ritual and votive objects probably dating between 1000 and 650 BC. The identity of the people who created them remains unclear. Scholars believe that they were created either by the Cimmerians, a nomadic people who originated in southern Russia, or by early Medes, an Indo­-European group who lived in the area.

Moderate condition. Heavy wear consistent with age. Bends, surface scratches and corrosion. Losses near to the pin. Verdigris encrusted. Size approx. 13,1cm x 0,6cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection.

References and further reading:

Bronzes of Luristan, Oscar White Muscarella, Encyclopedia Iranica, 1989 (https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/bronzes-of-luristan)

Luristan Bronze, Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 May. 2018 (https://www.britannica.com/art/Luristan-Bronze)

Luristan bronzes i, the Field Research, Bruno Overlaet, Encyclopedia Iranica, 2006 (https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/luristan-bronzes-i-the-field-research-)