European Bronze Age Spearhead

£ 500.00

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

Date: Circa 1200- 800 BC
Period: Bronze Age
Provenance: J. L. Collection, Surrey, bought in the 1990's.
Condition: Very fine condition with signs of ageing to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: AH-706 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 77.6 g
Dimensions L 11 x W 3.8 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Time Period

Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York