{"product_id":"ancient-persian-terracotta-bull-figure-iron-age-circa-8th-2nd-century-b-c","title":"Ancient Persian | Terracotta Bull Figure | Iron Age | Circa 8th–2nd Century B.C.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ancient Persia (Northern Iran, Amlash region near the Caspian Sea)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Terracotta (fired clay)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iron Age to early historic period, circa 8th Century B.C. – 2nd Century B.C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA charming and highly stylized ancient terracotta animal figure representing a horned bull or bovine creature. The sculpture features a compact body supported by four sturdy legs and a raised head crowned with exaggerated horn forms. The eyes are indicated by small pierced holes, while the muzzle is subtly modeled with minimalistic detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figure’s simplified proportions and expressive character are characteristic of Amlash terracotta animal sculptures produced in northern Iran during the early Iron Age and later periods. These objects were often placed in burials or domestic contexts and may have served as symbolic representations of livestock, fertility, or protective household spirits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface displays a warm buff to light ochre tone with natural earthen deposits and age patina, consistent with ancient fired clay artifacts from the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hand-formed terracotta animal sculpture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Stylized horned bovine figure with raised head\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Pierced circular eyes typical of Amlash figures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Warm buff earthen surface with age patina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Classic simplified proportions of early Iranian folk sculpture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Amlash region of northern Iran is well known for its distinctive Iron Age artifacts, particularly small terracotta animals and bronze objects discovered in burial sites and ancient settlements near the Caspian Sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnimal figures such as bulls and goats held symbolic importance in ancient Iranian cultures. They were associated with strength, fertility, agriculture, and protective spiritual forces, reflecting the central role livestock played in early agrarian societies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood ancient condition overall. Surface wear, minor losses, and earthen deposits consistent with age. One horn shows ancient wear and minor loss, typical of excavated terracotta objects. No modern restoration observed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 3.88 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 2.88 in\u003cbr\u003eLength: 1.88 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2,200 – 2,800 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore a comparable ancient terracotta bull sculpture in the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/253510\" title=\"Terracotta Bull – The Metropolitan Museum of Art\"\u003eMetropolitan Museum of Art Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eView additional examples in our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/middle-eastern-antiquities-ancient-art\/Middle-Eastern-Antiquities-\u0026amp;-Ancient-Art\" title=\"Middle Eastern Antiquities \u0026amp; Ancient Art – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eMiddle Eastern Antiquities \u0026amp; Ancient Art Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52558390034754,"sku":null,"price":600.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/ancient-persian-amlash-terracotta-horned-bull-figure-iron-age.png?v=1774188700","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/ancient-persian-terracotta-bull-figure-iron-age-circa-8th-2nd-century-b-c","provider":"Relic and Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}