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Lot Essay
PUBLISHED:
H. Born and U. Seidl, Schutzwaffen aus Assyrien und Urartu: Sammlung Axel Guttmann, IV, Mainz, 1995, pp. 55-72, pls. 45-47 (AG 230).
The above publication gives a full discussion of this horse pectoral fragment with an historical interpretation of the scene. To date there are six known fragments from at least three pectorals, all being similarly decorated. The Guttmann fragment is important because it is the only piece with two horsemen preserved. Based on the above and other fragments, a reconstruction of the pectoral is possible (see line drawing opposite). At the ends are confronting winged mythical beasts composed of a snarling lion's head, human torso, bird tail and paws, holding a situla and flower bud. Although the central portion of the pectoral is missing, the remainder appears to show a battle-scene with the victors in pursuit of the fleeing enemy's cavalry. Three clean-shaven figures in the chariot comprise a charioteer, archer and a shield bearer, all wearing conical helmets with central flanged comb and cheekpieces. The fallen warriors have both been shot by arrows and are bearded, as are the fleeing horsemen. An identification of the victors, and therefore of the commissioner of the above pectoral, may lie with the distinctive combed conical helmets worn by the clean-shaven occupants of the chariot. These would point to an Urartian origin, as do other motifs discussed in the above publication. The identification of the vanquished enemy is more difficult, although their style of helmet can be compared with a type worn in the 9th Century B.C., fragments of which have been found in excavations south of Lake Urmia (Hasanlu). A suggested interpretation of the scene is that of the historical battle between the victorious Urartian Sarduri dynasty over King Arame who had previously been weakened by fighting the Assyrians under Shalmaneser III.
H. Born and U. Seidl, Schutzwaffen aus Assyrien und Urartu: Sammlung Axel Guttmann, IV, Mainz, 1995, pp. 55-72, pls. 45-47 (AG 230).
The above publication gives a full discussion of this horse pectoral fragment with an historical interpretation of the scene. To date there are six known fragments from at least three pectorals, all being similarly decorated. The Guttmann fragment is important because it is the only piece with two horsemen preserved. Based on the above and other fragments, a reconstruction of the pectoral is possible (see line drawing opposite). At the ends are confronting winged mythical beasts composed of a snarling lion's head, human torso, bird tail and paws, holding a situla and flower bud. Although the central portion of the pectoral is missing, the remainder appears to show a battle-scene with the victors in pursuit of the fleeing enemy's cavalry. Three clean-shaven figures in the chariot comprise a charioteer, archer and a shield bearer, all wearing conical helmets with central flanged comb and cheekpieces. The fallen warriors have both been shot by arrows and are bearded, as are the fleeing horsemen. An identification of the victors, and therefore of the commissioner of the above pectoral, may lie with the distinctive combed conical helmets worn by the clean-shaven occupants of the chariot. These would point to an Urartian origin, as do other motifs discussed in the above publication. The identification of the vanquished enemy is more difficult, although their style of helmet can be compared with a type worn in the 9th Century B.C., fragments of which have been found in excavations south of Lake Urmia (Hasanlu). A suggested interpretation of the scene is that of the historical battle between the victorious Urartian Sarduri dynasty over King Arame who had previously been weakened by fighting the Assyrians under Shalmaneser III.