Hixenbaugh Ancient Art Unveils Rare and Important Ancient Neo-Assyrian Royal Armor

2,800 Year-Old Helmet and Quiver are examples of the Military Prowess of an Ancient Superpower. These rare objects are among the few surviving examples of the military technology of what is considered to be the first substantial military power in history.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 15, 2011

Hixenbaugh Ancient ArtLtd announces the exhibition of two rare and important Neo-Assyrian military artifacts dating to the 9th century BC: a bronze quiver inscribed with the name of King Shalmaneser III, ca. 859-824 BC, and a unique bimetallic helmet. These rare objects are among the few surviving examples of the military technology of what is considered to be the first substantial military power in history.

The Neo-Assyrian bronze quiver assemblage is decorated with incised scenes of winged demons, holding buckets and pine cones, pollinating the intertwined tree of life. A cuneiform inscription labels the quiver "property of Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, son of Ashur-Nasirpal, king of Assyria, son of Tukulti-Ninurta, king of Assyria." Only a handful of Neo-Assyrian quivers are known, including examples in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre. Our example was published in 1960, and thereafter was in the respected collection of Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987). The quiver is accompanied by a metal analysis confirming its authenticity and age.

The Neo-Assyrian bronze helmetwas originally a bimetallic, bronze and iron, pointed conical helmet of very elaborate design. Although the iron section is now preserved only in fragments, having deteriorated long ago, the bronze half remains in excellent condition. The ostentatious use of iron at this early date, when the technology of smelting iron ore was still unknown outside of the Eastern Mediterranean, is especially significant. This is the only known helmet of this type to survive from antiquity. The form is depicted on numerous contemporary Neo-Assyrian palace reliefs at Nineveh and Nimrud. The metallurgy and composition of this helmet have been thoroughly analyzed and published by Hermann Born and Urusula Seidl in Schutzwaffen aus Assyrien und Urartu, Sammlung Axel Guttmann, vol.4, (Mainz, 1995), pp. 134 ff., pl. XIII-XV, ills. 103-115. The helmet comes from the world renowned collection of ancient arms and armor assembled by the German collector Axel Guttmann (1944-2001).

The Neo-Assyrian Empireflourished from the 10th Century BC through the late 7th Century BC becoming the most dominant entity in the Middle East. At its peak, it controlled all of Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt. The Neo-Assyrian Empire is regarded as the first substantial military power in history. Their army utilized large units of cavalry and skilled archers. Mobile workshops and smiths were dedicated to producing vast amounts of arrows and spears that were required while on campaign. The royal palaces of Nineveh, Ashur, and Nimrud were adorned with reliefs depicting Neo-Assyrian troops including archers with long quivers, horseman bearing lances, and masses of foot soldiers in pointed bronze helmets.
Antiquities of this rarity and quality are highly sought after by both museums and private collectors, not only for their beauty and historical significance but also for their investment value. “Archaeological objects of this importance have become increasingly difficult to obtain,” said gallery director Randall Hixenbaugh. “In light of recent events in the region, it is vital that ancient Near Eastern antiquities on the market not only have clear provenance but also have been previously published, as is the case with both of these objects.”

These Neo-Assyrian pieces along with hundreds of other examples of fine quality Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art are on display at Hixenbaugh Ancient Art Ltd, 320 East 81st Street, New York, Tuesday through Saturday 11 to 6, and by appointment.

About Hixenbaugh Ancient Art
Hixenbaugh Ancient Art Ltd is one of the world’s leading antiquities dealers. The gallery, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, is dedicated to handling fine authentic antiquities. All of the pieces we handle are legally acquired, in complete accordance with US and international regulations and laws concerning the import and sale of ancient objects. All objects are guaranteed genuine and as described. Hixenbaugh Ancient Art is a member of the Art and Antique Dealers League of America (AADLA), the Confederation Internationale des Negociants en Oeuvres d'Art (CINOA), the Appraisers Association of America (AAA), and the International Association of Dealers in Ancient Art (IADAA).

At Hixenbaugh Ancient Art, we believe that responsible collecting of antiquities is not only a pleasurable pursuit and wise investment, but an important responsibility. Today's collectors are custodians of the past, links in a chain, preserving the past for future generations by passing their collections on to their heirs, reselling them to eager collectors, or donating them to museums. In doing so, the collector of ancient art reaps the many benefits of acquiring truly unique and thought provoking objects that have come down to us from the ancients, whose influences pervade every aspect of the modern world.

If you would like more information about this topic contact us at (212) 861-9743 or info(at)hixenbaugh(dot)net.

###