Ancient Greek Lead Sling bullet with inscription 'NA / MER' (No Reserve Price)

ITEM: Sling bullet with inscription 'NA / MER'
MATERIAL: Lead
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 12 mm x 26 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex English private collection, acquired between 1980 – 1990
PARALLEL: DRASKOWSKI, N., & WEISS, P., Neue griechische Schleuderbleie. Tissaphernes und weitere Kommandeure, p. 148 - 149

Luristan statuettes of horses are artifacts originating from the ancient region of Luristan, located in modern-day western Iran. These bronze statuettes are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and artistic detail, reflecting the skills of the artisans who produced them during the Iron Age, approximately from the 10th to the 7th century BCE. The Luristan statuettes of horses are characterized by their dynamic and lifelike poses, capturing the vitality and strength of the animals they represent.

The Luristan statuettes of horses typically depict the animals in various poses, such as standing, trotting, or rearing, often with intricate details such as finely rendered manes, tails, and facial features. These statuettes were likely used for votive or ceremonial purposes, possibly as offerings in religious rituals or as symbols of status and wealth. Horses held significant cultural and symbolic importance in ancient Luristan society, serving as symbols of power, mobility, and prestige.

The discovery of Luristan statuettes of horses provides valuable insights into the artistic and cultural practices of ancient Iranian civilizations during the Iron Age. These artifacts demonstrate the mastery of bronze casting techniques by Luristan artisans and highlight the importance of horses in the socio-economic and religious life of the region.

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