This fragmentary plaque includes a single register of figural relief framed by two thick borders of a guilloche design, a pattern consisting of interlocking scroll-like S elements, in four mirrored bands. In the main register, a series of animals appear moving to the right: a horse, at least five nursing deer, birds of prey and waterfowl, quadrupeds (possibly wolves), snakes, and a small bird-headed anthropomorphic figure. All animals have textured fur, feathers, or scales indicated by a series of engraved lines, sometimes creating a checkerboard pattern. Filling elements, including a circle with rays and a rhombus filled with parallel lines, are dispersed throughout the background.
Previously identified as Urartian, this plaque is better categorized stylistically as Transcaucasian. Produced by people within the areas of modern Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and nearby regions, the thin metal plaques were created from the 9th to 8th century BCE. Metalwork, particularly copper alloy objects using ore from the Zagros mountains, was a main product of the region. The plaque’s edge is damaged at both ends, and its full length is unknown. Some plaques, such as another in the Menil Collection (1984-29), were cut and repurposed into belts.
