AN ACHAEMENID SILVER FIGURINE OF A MOUNTAIN GOAT (MOUFLON) 6TH CENTURY B.C

A free standing hollow cast representation of a mouflon or mountain goat, commonly used by the Achaemenids as a motif, especially for the protomes of rhytons.
The animal is finely modeled showing a compact and muscular specimen. The purpose of such models would generally be votive often then to be kept in the treasuries of temples.
The severity of the modelling suggests an early dating, around 550 B.C. when the Achaemenid state was founded and it is possible that this piece was made under the Medes.
There is an area of damage on the left side by the ribs.
Size: 18.5 cm. height
Weight: 545 grams.

PROVENANCE
Property of an English private collection in the UK since 1990s.