Panel fragment
This object is one of three related fragments in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum, said to be from Ziwiye, which depict hunting and battle scenes (51.131.9; 51.131.11; 51.131.12). Stylistic differences suggest they were carved by different artisans, but all three show a familiarity with the scenes depicted in the stone reliefs that decorated Assyrian palaces. Because of their similarity to the Assyrian reliefs, they have been classified as Assyrian style ivories. They were likely used as furniture decoration. On this piece, a mounted and armored warrior at right tramples over the collapsing body of an enemy. Although difficult to see because of the worn surface of the plaque, his upturned face is visible below the horse’s muzzle, as is his right hand which reaches up to grab the warrior’s down-thrust spear. At left, two bearded archers in short skirts with hair gathered into a bunch at the back of the head aim their bows toward an enemy beyond the edge of the plaque. The forms of the bodies are modeled in low relief and details of dress, hairstyles, and horse trappings are finely incised. Some features, such as the flexed arms of the archers, are awkwardly formed.
In 1946 a treasure was reportedly found at a mound near the village of Ziwiye in northwestern Iran. Objects attributed to Ziwiye are stylistically similar to Assyrian art of the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. as well as to the art of contemporary Syria, Urartu, and Scythia. Many objects of gold, silver, bronze, ivory, and ceramic have since appeared on the antiquities market with the provenance of Ziwiye, although there is no way to verify this identification
In 1946 a treasure was reportedly found at a mound near the village of Ziwiye in northwestern Iran. Objects attributed to Ziwiye are stylistically similar to Assyrian art of the eighth and seventh centuries B.C. as well as to the art of contemporary Syria, Urartu, and Scythia. Many objects of gold, silver, bronze, ivory, and ceramic have since appeared on the antiquities market with the provenance of Ziwiye, although there is no way to verify this identification
Artwork Details
- Title: Panel fragment
- Period: Iron Age III
- Date: ca. 8th–7th century BCE
- Geography: Iran, said to be from Ziwiye
- Culture: Iran
- Medium: Ivory
- Dimensions: 2 1/8 × 4 3/16 × 3/16 in. (5.4 × 10.7 × 0.45 cm)
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1951
- Object Number: 51.131.9
- Curatorial Department: Ancient West Asian Art
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Assyrian
ca. 9th–8th century BCE
Iran
ca. early 1st millennium BCE
Achaemenid
ca. 358–338 BCE
Iran
ca. 8th century BCE
Iran
ca. 9th century BCE
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