Ibex Standard Finial

This standard finial, a decorative tube perhaps used as a military emblem, is made of two abstracted ibexes. Their elongated forelegs form a ring where a pole may have once been inserted. An additional horizontal bar extends from their chests to support the ring. The cast bronze ibexes are decorated with ridged horns, curled beards, and twisted tails. Their hind legs join another ring. This standard is likely from Luristan, home to a seminomadic people who created a strong metalworking industry in the Iron Age.