Ca. 2000-700 BC A bronze sceptre formed from a central tube which terminates in a stylised male head, representing the Master of Animals. He is flanked by two open-mouthed beasts, each of whom he grasps around the throat. Lower down the central tube is another stylised human head, arranged between birds' heads.The Master of Animals is an important motif in ancient art, symbolising man?s power over the natural world. Size: L:305mm / W:65mm ; 455g Provenance: From the private collection of an Oxford gentleman; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1990s on the UK / International art markets.