This striking, museum-quality mask represents a superlative example of the Luristan bronzeworker’s craft. Examples of this size and condition are exceptionally rare. Cast with exceptional attention to detail, the oval face has a rounded chin, commanding, pointed nose, and cut-away almond-shaped eyes with well defined lids and bowed eyebrows that meet the bridge of the nose. The small, slightly recessed mouth lends the face a serene, impassive expression. The focuses of the viewer’s attention, however, are the six silver earrings which adorn each ear, attached through circular piercings. They indicate that the mask represents a high-status individual; given that the reverse is hollow, it may have been intended to be worn, either during elaborate rituals or as a funerary mask.
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