Finial

Function: The three ibexes (mountain goats) stand on their hind legs with front paws forming a circle. It was probably used with a bronze base mounted on a pole and could be the symbol of a clan or religious leader. The base and branch shown here were not found with the finial.Acquisition: Gift from HRH Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf in 1936.Why this is a masterpieceThe object is unique since it was made in the lost wax process. At the same time it is well within the iconography of elegant animal motifs known from this culture. There is no finer ibex finial known anywhere.History of the ObjectThe Luristan bronze collection in Medelhavsmuseet is among the largest and most varied of Luristan collections outside Iran since most were acquired early in the 1930s. (Virtual Collection of Masterpieces, http://masterpieces.asemus.museum/Default.aspx)