Luristan Bronze Axe Head with Animal Head

$821.41

A fine Luristan bronze axe head cast in an unusual shape. The shaft hole features collared upper and lower edges, modelled in V shapes and displaying incised grooves. An animal head is cast in high relief on the side of the shaft hole, modelled with its jaws opened and two long ridges with rounded terminals protruding from its open mouth, possibly a stylised representation of the animal’s tongue. A semi-circle shaped butt to the other side of the shaft hole.

Date: Circa 1800-600 BC
Condition: Very fine, some beautiful green patination on the surface.

In stock

SKU: CS-300 Category: Tags: ,

Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the Zagros Mountains. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Cast spike-butted axes are hallmarks of Luristan bronze weaponry during the First Iron Age Period, between 1200 and 1000 BC. Most of Luristan bronze items have been recovered in funerary contexts.

To discover more about the Luristan Empire, please visit our relevant blog post: The Luristan Empire: Beauty of Bronze.

Weight 290 g
Dimensions L 12.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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