A SUMERIAN COPPER CHARIOT REIN RING

CIRCA MID 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.

Details

A SUMERIAN COPPER CHARIOT REIN RING
CIRCA MID 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
In the form of a standing mare with a nursing foal on a plinth, the two equines facing opposite directions, their muzzles, manes and hind quarters articulated, both with recessed eyes, likely once inlaid, the mare also with a circular hollow on her forehead, the plinth joined at a right angle to two connected rings atop three parallel rods, the rods joined at the bottom to an arching bar with ends curled back
9¾ in. (24.8 cm.) high

Provenance

Private Collection, U.K., late 1970s.

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Lot Essay

The reins passed from the head harness on each draft animal through the rein ring, which was connected to a yoke pole. The rein ring helped to prevent the reins from snarling and added an element of control for the driver. For related rein rings, two surmounted by a single horse, see pl. 90 in Basmachi, Treasures of the Iraq Museum.

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