Luristan Bronze Spearhead with Rat-Tail Tang

£ 475.00

A fine Luristan bronze spearhead featuring an ovate blade with a rectangular midrib running down the centre, tapering at the point. The blade slopes into rounded shoulders leading to a square shaft with flaring corners. The spearhead then narrows into a short tang ending with a slight angled bend. This ‘rat-tail’ construction inserted into a wooden shaft reduced further splitting upon use.

 

Date: 1800-600 BC
Condition: Very fine condition, beautiful green patination to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: MG-55 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. This includes many weapons, tools, ornaments and finials along with small amulets and fittings. The decorative technique is predominately openwork with Scythian art influences. Cast spike-butted axes are hallmarks of Luristan bronze weaponry during the First Iron Age Period, between 1200 and 1000 BC. Most of the Luristan bronze items have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting they had a ceremonial function.

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

Weight 300 g
Dimensions L 43.7 x W 5.3 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

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

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