Luristan Bronze Shaft-Hole Axe Head

£ 400.00

A Luristan axe cast from bronze featuring a long cylindrical shaft-hole with a slightly arched butt and ribbed decoration across the top and bottom. The blade extends outwards towards a convex cutting edge. The top of the blade tapers in to a point at the cutting edge from the socket and displays a horizontal raised ridge.

Date: Circa 1200-600 BC
Provenance: Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Condition: Fine condition with some patination to the surface. Parts of the decoration are now worn due to age.

SOLD

SKU: CY-99 Category: Tag:

Bronze weapons represent the most common examples of Luristan metalwork and some of the finest weaponry then available. Among these, shaft-hole axes, adzes and pick-axes have been reported in great numbers and in a variety of forms. They have been vital to understanding the chronology and development of bronze metallurgy in the Lorestan region. Specifically, axe-heads such as this fine example reflect the influence of Elamite and Mesopotamian metalwork in the area. Mostly recovered in funerary contexts, Luristan weapons were likely to have been used not only in everyday life, but also hold ceremonial purposes.

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

Weight 368.4 g
Dimensions L 10 x H 8.3 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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