Luristan Bronze Ceremonial Macehead

$751.46

A Luristan ceremonial macehead of tubular shape. Made from bronze, it features two offset groups of projecting spikes, and is decorated with vertical and horizontal twisted-rope borders in relief.

Date: Circa 9th - 8th Century BC
Period: Iron Age
Condition: Complete and intact, good stable bronze with patches of olive-green patination with accretions.

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SKU: AS-3386 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.

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

Weight 347 g
Dimensions H 16.3 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

Reference: cf. item 97; Catalogue of the Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmoleon Museum by P.R.S. Moorey; Oxford University Press 1971

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