Head of pin

Unknown

ca. 8th–7th century BCE · Bronze · Ancient Near Eastern Art

This is the head of a bronze pin in the form of a demon or supernatural creature, surmounted by a recumbent animal. The demon’s head is framed by two thick lines that meet and form its nose; its eyes are raised pellets. Two loops extend from the top of its head; these probably represent hair curls or horns. A recumbent animal sits on the demon’s head, with its folded legs disappearing behind it. It is impossible to say what kind of animal it is, as both its head and tail are now missing, and its form is stylized. This pinhead was excavated at Surkh Dum, a settlement site in Luristan in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran. It was found in a structure interpreted as a sanctuary and was thus probably an offering to a god. Pins were probably used to fasten clothing and as objects of adornment in their own right.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 8th–7th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Iran

Department

Ancient Near Eastern Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1943