Luristan Bronze Ceremonial Macehead

$694.63

A Luristan ceremonial cast bronze mace head with a tubular shape. The upper part is decorated with numerous almond-shaped knobs. The lower part features a row of decorative loops and whorls in relief.

Date: Circa 1st Millennium BC
Condition: Complete with encrustations, good stable bronze with patches of olive-green patination.

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SKU: AS-3418 Category: Tag:

Luristan, the central area on Persia’s western frontier, developed sophisticated and prolific metal-working technology from the third millennium BC. With manufacture not suffering decline until the seventh century BC, over this extensive period metalworkers were essential for supplying and arming both local wealthy patrons and the warring factions of the day.

A macehead may have been mounted on a shaft as a symbol of rank, perhaps a derivative from a weapon of similar form. Throughout the ancient world, maceheads varied significantly, and we know of a great number with different styles and decorations. Several important examples were shaped by the local metalworkers in Luristan and Gilan from the third millennium BC. These mace heads may not only have served a purpose in warfare, but also in religious contexts – perhaps being associated with piety in Luristan. Indeed, maceheads played an important role as votive offerings in shrines across Mesopotamia.

A number of bronze macehead examples have been found in the Luristan area without archaeological context. They may have Elamite or Mesopotamian origins, as these decorations were characteristic of both areas. Their function is not easy to define, usually being referred to as handles.

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

 

Weight 295 g
Dimensions L 14.5 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

Reference: For details of maces, see pp 90-97; Catalogue of the Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum by P.R.S. Moorey; Oxford University Press 1971.

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