Framed Bronze Luristan Arrowhead

£ 85.00

A finely cast Luristan bronze arrowhead featuring a long blade, with a raised flattened midrib. The slightly expanding shoulders fade into sharp barbs and are mirrored by the curve of the elongated stem that ends with a square-sectioned tang. The midrib is decorated with an incised zig-zag pattern and the arrowhead is covered with an attractive patination.

The arrowhead is roughly 11.5 cm in length.

Date: Circa 1800-600 BC
Condition: Very fine condition. Earthly encrustation and patination to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: SK-31 Category: Tags: ,

Luristan objects are for the majority bronze cast items decorated with bronze sculptures and there have been many discovered in the Lorestān Province. This includes many weapons, tools and finials along with small amulets and fittings. The decorative technique is predominately openwork with Scythian art influences. However, the identity of those who created these fine pieces is still unknown to this day. Animals were often featured as decorations, they ranged from mammals such as ibexes and large birds to zoomorphic creatures including griffins. A prime and popular example is the Master of Animals which usually depicts a man or woman holding animals or just the animals themselves facing each other on finials or standards. This imagery can be seen across the Mesopotamian civilisations. Everyday objects were also desired which included pins and bracelets. Most of the Luristan bronze items have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting they had a ceremonial function.

To find out more about metalwork in Luristan please see our relevant blog post: The Luristan Empire: Beauty of Bronze.

Weight 364.5 g
Dimensions W 15.2 x H 20.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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