Ca. 1st millennium BCA 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 further stylised human head flanked by two birds with heads down. The Master of Animals is an important motif in ancient art, symbolising man's power over the natural world. For a similar see The British Museum, Museum number: 108816.Size: L:350mm / W:75mm ; 550gProvenance: Property of an Oxfordshire art professional; previously in an old British collection, formed in the 1980s on the UK / International art markets.