with two ibex standing on hind legs, in heraldic composition on either side of a pole, facing each other, with the lower part of the body touching, and the long necks forming a decorative design. A cylinder made of a scrolled metal sheet, inserted into the center combines the two elements. The standard was probably a ritual or ceremonial object, the base fitting onto the top of a wand.
Cf. Muscarella, O. W., Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastren Artifacts in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1988.
Ghirshman, R., Persia: from the Origins to Alexander the Great, Thames and Hudson, 1964.
Condition: Intact and in very good condition overall. Custom mounted on clear acrylic base.
Dimensions: Height: 6 1/4 inches (15.9 cm)
Provenance: Private Texas collection acquired from the NY trade in the early 1970's.
