Horse trappings from Luristan

The hey-day of the bronze culture of Luristan was from 1000 to 600 B.C. Until 800 B.C. the dead were mainly buried in stone coffin graves. After that, simple pit graves intended for a single person were used. The burial fields grew larger, often consisting of many dozens of graves. It was not until 1945 that well-founded field work was done, notably by Belgian archaeologists. Thus people gained an insight into the provenance, date and background of the Luristan bronzes.
Horse trappings form a characteristic part of the Luristan bronze culture. In the burial fields large numbers of these objects were found as burial gifts: (parts of) bits, cheek-pieces and bridle rings. Because horse trappings like these are found in such quantities in Luristan, it is assumed that we are dealing with a nomadic horse riding people here. Another indication for this assumption is the fact that there are practically no settlements in the area and that there is a great emphasis on animal motifs in this bronze culture.
This bridle ring is dominated by the head of an ibex, flanked on both sides by two recumbent animals. It is assumed that these are two animals of prey attacking the ibex. The bridle ring has been tooled on one side only; the back is smooth. Below the ibex’s head there is a large eye at the back with which this decorative piece could be attached.