Luristan Bronze Spearhead

£ 395.00

A Luristan bronze spearhead with an ovate blade. The weapon features a rectangular-sectioned midrib, gently curved shoulders, and flaring tang. This type is known as a ‘rat-tanged’ spearhead, on account of its long and thin tang (tail), which ends with a typical button base.

Date: Circa 1200 - 800 BC
Condition: Fine with some signs of ageing and green patina on the surface.

SOLD

SKU: PM-05 Category: Tag:

Ancient Persian craftsmen developed great skill in bronze working, producing some of the finest tools and weaponry then available. These include a great number of ornaments, tools, weapons, horse-fittings, as well as a smaller number of vessels. They have been uncovered in recorded excavations, and have generally come from burials. The ethnicity of the people who created them remains unclear, though they may well have been Persian, and possibly related to the modern Lur people (who have given their name to the area).

Spearheads were among the bronze objects that were widely used by huntsmen and warriors, although the exact purpose of these weapons has never been securely established. Their function almost certainly varied: for instance, it is possible that they sometimes served as votive offerings in the shrines across Mesopotamia.

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

Weight 428.6 g
Dimensions L 39.5 cm
Culture

Region

Metal