876 - Four pieces of horse harness fittings, eastern regions of the Fertile Crescent, 8th century B.C.

Four pieces of horse harness fittings, eastern regions of the Fertile Crescent, 8th century B.C. Four pendants, presumably from the breastplate: 1) A disc depicting two antithetical gazelles gazing at each other, surmounted by a long band that tapers slightly toward the top, with its end curled upward. The gazelles were carved from the back using a chisel, with their outlines and anatomical details chiseled in on the front. The edge is bordered by a double incised line with crossed lines in between, forming diamonds and triangles. Immediately in front of the figuratively decorated disc is a two-zone incised decoration: at the top, hatched diamonds and triangles between two double lines. Below that are elongated, hatched triangles. Dark, almost black patina with deposits of oxides and incrustations. Cracks and small chips along the lower edge of the disc. Length 29.5 cm. 2) Fan-shaped fitting with indented sides that taper outward at the bottom. Along the vertical centerline and the curved lower edge, a row of raised bumps, bordered by circular-eyed punts struck from the front. In the center, an additional incised double line with St. Andrew’s crosses in between, creating four panels. In each of the upper panels, a bird facing right perched on a shrub above a pot (?) with a rectangular outline when viewed from the side. In the lower panels, two antithetical gazelles facing each other are engraved. A row of small perforations runs along the lower edge. Two larger, opposing perforations at the ends of the central double line with St. Andrew’s crosses; two equally sized ones at the upper edge in the corners, supplemented on the left by a small perforation. Dark green patina with light deposits of oxides and incrustations. Length 24.6 cm. 3) Fan-shaped pendant, with a curled central extension at the top. In the center, covering almost the entire surface, is an anchor-shaped motif with a broad stem and triangular hooks pointing upward at the bottom of the crossbar. A row of small perforations along the lower, curved edge. Another perforation in the center of the right edge and at the top of the rolled-up band. Dark green patina. Length 21.3 cm. 4) Fan-shaped pendant with a rolled-up central extension at the top. Rounded end at the top, sides slightly indented, and a slightly curved lower edge. In the center, a 1.5 cm wide rod embossed from the back. A row of seven perforations along the lower edge; two additional ones in the center of the sides. Green, mottled patina with light deposits of oxides and incrustations. Length 20 cm. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: French private collection, acquired from the collection of Axel Guttmann (1944–2001). Inventory numbers (some still partially affixed to the back: AG R 117; AG 122, and AG R 291). Condition: I–II