Luristan Bronze Socketed Spearhead with Rat Tail Tang

£ 350.00

A fine Luristan spearhead cast from bronze. The spearhead features a triangular blade with rounded shoulders. Running down the centre is a prominent midrib. The midrib leads to a pentagonal shank and flares outwards towards the socket. Below the socket is a square-sectioned tang which curves at the base forming a rat tail. This ‘rat-tail’ construction would be inserted into a wooden shaft to reduce further splitting upon use. Deep patination covers the surface.

Date: Circa 1200-600 BC
Provenance: Ex Abelita family collection, 1980's-2010.
Condition: Excellent Condition. Minor wear to the edges of the blade consistent with age.

In stock

SKU: SSK-05 Category: Tag:

Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the south-western area of the Zagros Mountains. The region developed sophisticated and prolific metal-working technology from the 3rd millennium BC, with manufacture not suffering decline until the 7th century BC. Over this extensive period, metalworkers were essential for supplying and arming both local wealthy patrons and the warring factions. Their artwork mainly comprises of ornaments, vessels and weapons.

Spears played a very important role in the military history of the region. Spear bearers had a long reach on the battlefield, and spears could be used effectively in the war. The spear was also a generally useful and ubiquitous weapon, relatively easy and cheap to manufacture (in comparison to swords).

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

Weight 188.6 g
Dimensions L 33.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, item 61.261.2.

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