Extremely Fine Luristan Bronze Sword with Crescent Pommel

£ 1,100.00

An extremely fine Luristan cast bronze sword featuring a long triangle-shaped double-edged blade and a raised mid-ribs with two parallel raised lines which run the length of the blade. The crescent-shaped pommel and hilt remain perfectly attached, unfortunately the inlays are now missing. The base of the blade is decorated with a beautifully cast geometric design including a small crescent shape and two triangles, the hilt features a single continuous band. 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. The beauty and the refinement on such weapon suggest that the dagger might have been used in ceremonial and religious offices rather than in war or combat.

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

SOLD

SKU: CS-267 Category: Tags: ,

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 436 g
Dimensions L 42.9 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, item number 60.82.1