Luristan (Iran) bronze antiquities

The Luristan bronzes are a group of small, cast metal objects that were produced in the Luristan region of Iran. They are known for their high quality of craftsmanship and their distinctive style, which is characterized by stylized animal and human figures. These artifacts date back to various periods in ancient history, spanning from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age. The Luristan region was historically inhabited by various cultures, and the artifacts provide valuable insights into the artistic, cultural, and technological achievements of these societies. Some of the notable types of antiquities from Luristan include bronze weapons and tools, horse-related artifacts, ceremonial and religious objects, personal ornaments and household items.

The Luristan artifacts first came to the attention of the international community in the 20th century, when they began to appear in the antiquities market. Many of these artifacts had been excavated from burial sites and tombs, where more... they had been buried with the deceased. However, the circumstances of their removal and sale have raised ethical and legal concerns, as some artifacts were likely obtained through looting and illegal excavation. less...