Large Luristan Bronze Socketed Spearhead

$884.07

An extremely fine Luristan cast bronze socketed spearhead featuring a large triangle-shaped double-edged blade with a slightly raised midrib. The socketed shaft allowed the blade to connect to a hilt or post, and is enriched by an extremely fine  incised decoration, which creates a pleasant geometric motif. The size and the refinement on such weapon suggest that the spearhead might have been used in ceremonial and religious offices rather than in war or combat. The entire blade is covered in a beautiful green and brown patination. Blades of this type are more commonly found in the areas of the Zagros Mountains and were used from the late Bronze Age onwards.

Date: Circa 1800-600 BC
Condition: Good condition, some green patination covers the surface.

In stock

SKU: CS-90 Category: Tag:

Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the Zagros Mountains. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes and the Kassites, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Most of Luristan bronze items have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting that such weapons would have been used not only in everyday life but also with ceremonial purposes.

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

Weight 550 g
Dimensions L 59.1 cm
Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The British Museum, item 134343.

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