Ancient Persian | Terracotta Bull Figure | Iron Age | Circa 8th–2nd Century B.C.
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Ancient Persia (Northern Iran, Amlash region near the Caspian Sea)
Material: Terracotta (fired clay)
Period: Iron Age to early historic period, circa 8th Century B.C. – 2nd Century B.C.
Description
A 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Features
- Hand-formed terracotta animal sculpture
- Stylized horned bovine figure with raised head
- Pierced circular eyes typical of Amlash figures
- Warm buff earthen surface with age patina
- Classic simplified proportions of early Iranian folk sculpture
Cultural Significance
The 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.
Animal 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.
Condition
Good 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.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.88 in
Width: 2.88 in
Length: 1.88 in
Age (Approximate)
2,200 – 2,800 years old
Learn More
Explore a comparable ancient terracotta bull sculpture in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection
View additional examples in our Middle Eastern Antiquities & Ancient Art Collection.
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Ancient Persia (Northern Iran, Amlash region near the Caspian Sea)
Material: Terracotta (fired clay)
Period: Iron Age to early historic period, circa 8th Century B.C. – 2nd Century B.C.
Description
A 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Features
- Hand-formed terracotta animal sculpture
- Stylized horned bovine figure with raised head
- Pierced circular eyes typical of Amlash figures
- Warm buff earthen surface with age patina
- Classic simplified proportions of early Iranian folk sculpture
Cultural Significance
The 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.
Animal 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.
Condition
Good 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.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 3.88 in
Width: 2.88 in
Length: 1.88 in
Age (Approximate)
2,200 – 2,800 years old
Learn More
Explore a comparable ancient terracotta bull sculpture in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection
View additional examples in our Middle Eastern Antiquities & Ancient Art Collection.
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