Artwork Page for Howling Wolf

Details / Information for Howling Wolf

Howling Wolf

c. 500–200 BCE

Southern Siberia

Medium
wood with shell inlays
Measurements
Overall: 11.1 x 3.3 x 5.9 cm (4 3/8 x 1 5/16 x 2 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1986.26
Public Domain
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Location
102A Ancient Near East
Print
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Did You Know?

The artist captured this wolf in mid-howl, depicting a wild animal in its natural element. The naturalistic carving of the wood depicts the animal's features, making it recognizable despite the eroded surface.

Description

Its subject, size, materials, and naturalistic style suggest that this small sculpture was made by one of the nomadic peoples of Western and Central Asia—perhaps the Scythians, who, with the Medes, conquered the Assyrians. Works of art made by the Scythians and other nomadic groups are shown on the northwest wall of this gallery.
A carved wood sculpture depicts a howling wolf with a striated, chalky white surface showing dark brown and black undertones. The wolf sits back on its haunches, tilting its head back, ears sticking straight back and mouth open. The surface is rough without details such as eyes or individual teeth.

Howling Wolf

c. 500–200 BCE

Southern Siberia

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