European Bronze Age Bronze Spear Head

$1,042.56

A finely modelled European cast bronze leaf-shaped spearhead, featuring a short socket and a raised mid-rib. The weapon displays an extremely beautiful bright olive-green patination. Spearheads of similar features have been recovered in Middle Bronze Age Britain.

Date: Circa 3200-600 BC
Period: Bronze Age
Condition: Very fine condition with signs of ageing to the surface and beautiful green patina.

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SKU: LD-154 Category: Tag:

Although some Bronze Age spearheads were intended for practical use as weapons in war and hunting, archaeologists believe that some were designed exclusively as religious offerings. Spearheads of all types were attached into long handles modelled in of ash or pinewood, with those functioning as votive offerings usually thrown into bodies of water. Size gives the best indication as to a spearhead’s intended use: smaller spearheads tended to be projectile weapons, whereas larger ones were thrusting weapons. The largest of spearheads were probably the ceremonial ones, on account of their impractical size, with decoration and barbs serving as further indications of their ritual purpose.

Weight 168.6 g
Dimensions L 21.3 x W 4 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, item 2018.567.