The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of September 29, 2023

Howling Wolf

c. 500–200 BC

Southern Siberia, 5th-3rd Century BC

Wood with shell inlays

Overall: 11.1 x 3.3 x 5.9 cm (4 3/8 x 1 5/16 x 2 5/16 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1986.26

Location

102A Ancient Near East

Fun Fact

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.

Exhibition history

Year in Review for 1986. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 4-March 15, 1987).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1986.26