Luristan Bronze Socketed Spear

£ 325.00

A fine Luristan cast bronze spear featuring a small, triangular shaped double-edged blade with a raised mid-rib. The blade connects to a long socket which would have fitted onto a wooden shaft. Close to the base there is three prongs which extend outwards, perpendicular from the weapon, and curve slightly towards the blade. This attribute was to prevent the spear from fully penetrating its target to allow for an easy retrieval. A thin bronze continuous band and two pierced holes feature to the bottom of the socket. Blades of this type are more commonly found in the territories of ancient Western Persia (modern Iran) and were used from the late Bronze Age onwards.

Date: Circa 1800-600 BC
Condition: Fine condition, minor holes to the socket. Some patination and encrustation to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: CS-270 Category: Tag:

Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the area of modern South-Western Iran. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, 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 weapons 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 147.7 g
Dimensions L 33.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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