A rare Urartian Bronze Horse Harness Frontlet, early 1st millennium BCE

With vertical ridge in the center, the lower section with chased frieze comprising lions hunting ibex, bordered by a bud-chain line and band of incised zigzags with punched dots above, attachment holes along the lower edge and at the side, rolled suspension loop along the top edge.

Background:  The kingdom of Urartu, originally a confederation of numerous tribes from Eastern Anatolia, was one of the most powerful states in the Ancient Near East during the first half of the first millennium BC, constituting one of the fiercest rivals of the Assyrian Empire. It was in the 9th century BC under Shalmaneser III (858-824) that the Urartian state developed a centralized system with several interconnected palace-fortresses placed on high rock outcrops.

Background:  Horse armor was widely used in the ancient Mediterranean world and its use is well documented in the Near East and Cyprus.

Condition:  Intact and in excellent condition overall, with museum quality custom mount.

Dimensions:  Length:  9 inches (22.9 cm)

Provenance:  Dr. Wladimir Rosenbaum, born in Minsk in 1894 and died in Ascona, Switzerland in 1984.   Dr. Rosenbaum founded Galerie Casa Serodine in 1938 and closed the gallery in 1983. The building for Casa Serodine in Ascona is now a museum. Thereafter private CT collection acquired from Dr. Rosenbaum prior to 1975.