A South Arabian Bronze Head of a Bull, circa 1st Century B.C./1st Century A.D.

with wide upturned horns each with striated markings at the base, large eyes inlaid with remains of several materials, and short erect ears, the triangle on the forehead, contour lines above the eyes, and the muzzle all with stippled detail, a ribbed suspension loop above the neck, the back open to the interior and filled with core material.

Grays Antique Market, London, 1982

proper left horn about 3/5ths restored , right horn repaired, lower perimeter behind mouth has restoration, otherwise good and as described
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Cf. `Alî `Aqîl `Azza and Sabina Antonini, Repertorio iconografico Sudarabico, Tomo III: I bronzi sudarabici di periodo pre-islamico, Rome and Paris, 2007, p. 91, no. 240, for a related example; the authors suggests that it could have had an amuletic function, since the bull was a sacred animal in South Arabia.