1970.21.FA, Couple atop two animal heads, Northern Syria, Syro-Hittite, 1500-1000 BCE, bronze

This ornamental figure originally sat on the top of a ceremonial standard carried in ritual processions. The image, which combines human and animal elements, may represent deities associated with fertility and the powers of weather. Similar single standing figures represent the Hittite thunder deity. The work was solid cast by the lost-wax method and is in good condition, except for a missing arm on the left-hand figure.

Ann R. Bromberg and Karl Kilinski II, Gods, Men, and Heroes: Ancient Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1996. 33.

Until 1970: Dr. Elie Borowski, Basel, Switzerland [3]

From 1970:  Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, Foundation for the Arts Collection, purchased from above [1], [2]

[1] The name of the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1933, was changed to the Dallas Museum of Art in 1983

[2] The Foundation for the Arts is a non-profit corporation created as a title-holding entity to serve the people of Dallas but to operate independently of the City. The Dallas Museum of Art (at its own cost) is responsible for the care, storage, insurance, conservation, and maintenance of the collection, and agrees to maintain the highest museum standards in the management and handling of the Foundation's collection. The title to all works of art purchased or otherwise acquired by the Foundation for the Arts is retained by the Foundation.

[3] See object card in Collections Records Object file 1970.21.FA

Apply to objects where number equals 1970.21.FA