\S1987.102a and b are two silver sheet metal fragments which originally belonged to the same object. They are both decorated in repoussé and chased technique with male figures moving in procession to the right. The larger fragment (S1987.102b) depicts two figures carrying weapons; above them are two vultures and a fly eating the head of a gazelle. The figure on the left carries a knife or dagger in one hand, and holds a spear upright in the other. The figure on the right holds a mace. Both figures have long hair and beards, and are dressed in crosshatch-pattern kilts and fringed mantles. The smaller fragment (S1987.120a) depicts a male figure similar to the ones just described; he carries a mace. The hind quarters of an animal (feline?) are just visible to the left of the male figure. Both fragments have circles with whorl patterns in the field next to the figures, apparently used as a fill ornament. They both also preserve small holes for nails, to attach the metal sheet to wood.
Collection:
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Exhibition History:
Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art from American Collections (August 31, 2013 to December 22, 2013)
Metalwork and Ceramics from Ancient Iran (November 19, 1992 to January 22, 2004)
Nomads and Nobility: Art from the Ancient Near East (September 28, 1987 to November 1, 1992)
Animal Style: Art from East to West (January 15 to July 19, 1970)
