Framed Luristan Bronze Lanceolate Arrowhead

£ 75.00

A fine Luristan bronze lanceolate arrowhead, situated within a custom wooden frame. The arrowhead features a long, leaf-shaped blade, which tapers regularly from subtly upwards-sloping shoulders to a pointed tip. A thin, pronounced midrib runs down the centre of the blade and develops into a short, cylindrical stem, and finally a short tang. A lovely deep green patination coats the surface, along with some earthy encrustations. Some minor chips and wear to the edges of the blade.

Arrowhead approximate measurements: L 10.4cm x W 2.1cm

NB: Measurements below include the frame.

Date: 1200-600 BC
Condition: Very good. Some chips to the edges of the blade.

SOLD

SKU: KW-111 Category: Tag:

Luristan bronze comes from the Lorestan Province, renowned in antiquity for its sophisticated metal-working. Weapons, tools, amulets, jewellery and finials comprise the majority of bronze output from the region and most have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting they had a ceremonial function. The decorative technique is predominately openwork with Scythian art influences. However, the identity of those who created these fine pieces are 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 motif, usually consisting of a human figure holding animals or animals themselves facing each other on finials or standards. This imagery can be seen across the Mesopotamian civilisations and is believed to be associated with human mastery over predatory beasts or, more symbolically, the cycle of nature.

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

Weight 354.3 g
Dimensions L 15.2 x W 3.2 x H 20.4 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

Reference: For a similar shaped arrowhead,The Metropolitan Museum of Art, item 61.100.63

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