Spiked Axe Head: Ancient Persia (Luristan), circa 1200-900 B.C.
Fine large axe head in heavy cast bronze. The weapon head has four spikes protruding to the rear of the shaft hole and has four raised incised bands extending over the cylindrical socket. The blade is deeply curved in a semi-crescent form and has an unusual projection at its upper terminus.The surface shows a pleasing overall bluish-green mottled patina with some burial encrustation. This attractive example of Luristan artistry could have served as ceremonial use or as a weapon.
For similar specimens see Muscarella, “Bronze and Iron”, Metropolitan Museum of Art, plate 304 and 305.
Provenance: ex UK private collection, Artemis gallery.
Luristan bronzes refer to items dating from roughly 1500-500 BC that have been excavated since the late 1920’s in the Harsin, Khorramabad and Alishtar valleys of the Zagros Mountains of western Iran, especially at the site of Tepe Sialk. Scholars believe they were created by either the Cimmerians or by related Indo-European peoples such as the early Medes and Persians. Luristan weapons were highly sought after by warriors of many cultures because of their quality, balance and durability.
Length: 7 inches, Height: 3 inches
