Luristan Bronze Toggle Cloak Pin

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

This magnificent conical cast bronze toggle pin, featuring an integrated eyelet above the middle, is a remarkable artifact from the Early Iron Age of Luristan. Designed for securing garments, this pin exemplifies the advanced metalworking techniques that defined Luristan bronze craftsmanship.

Luristan bronzes—small cast objects ranging from ornaments and tools to weapons and ritual objects—have been unearthed in significant quantities in the Harsin, Khorramābād, and Alishtar valleys of the Zagros Mountains, within the Lorestān region of western Iran. The exact identity of the people who produced these sophisticated objects remains uncertain. Scholars debate whether they were created by the Cimmerians, a nomadic people originating from southern Russia, or the early Medes, an Indo-European group that inhabited the region.

Dating to between 1000 and 650 BC, Luristan bronzes stand as a testament to the artistic and metallurgical advancements of the time. This exceptional toggle pin, both functional and decorative, would have been a status symbol worn by elites, reflecting the craftsmanship and cultural expressions of the mysterious civilizations of the ancient Near East.

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-)