Head of pin

ca. 8th–7th century BCE
Not on view
The head of this bronze pin probably represents a frog, view from above. It has a triangular head with bulging eyes and a globular body. All of its legs face forward. Part of the shaft of the pin is preserved, projecting from the rear of the frog.

This pinhead was excavated at Surkh Dum, a settlement site in Luristan in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran. It was found in a structure interpreted as a sanctuary and was thus probably an offering to a god. Pins were probably used to fasten clothing and as objects of adornment in their own right.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title:
    Head of pin
  • Period:
    Iron Age III
  • Date:
    ca. 8th–7th century BCE
  • Geography:
    Iran, Luristan, Surkh Dum
  • Culture:
    Iran
  • Medium:
    Bronze
  • Dimensions:
    1 13/16 in. × 1 in. × 1/4 in. (4.55 × 2.5 × 0.7 cm)
  • Credit Line:
    Rogers Fund, 1943
  • Object Number:
    43.102.4
  • Curatorial Department: Ancient West Asian Art

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.

Send feedback