Luristan Bronze Spike-Butted Axe Head

£ 495.00

A Luristan cast bronze spike-butted axe head, featuring a cylindrical shaft-hole with four furrowed ribs terminating at the back with short, thick spikes. The blade extends out from the top of the shaft-hole and springs from the third rib down at the bottom in a downward curve, forming a narrow neck. The upper and lower edge of the blade are strengthened by thickening.

Date: 1250-650 BC
Condition: Fine condition. Some patination and earthly encrustations along with minor scratches to the surface. Minor chips to the cutting edge and bottom of the shaft-hole.

In stock

SKU: CY-243 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 363.3 g
Dimensions L 19.2 x W 3.2 x H 7.3 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

Reference: For a similar item,The British Museum, item 135987

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