Impressive Luristan Bronze Dagger
Impressive Luristan Bronze Dagger
Impressive Luristan Bronze Dagger

Impressive Luristan Bronze Dagger

$2,050.50

An impressive and extremely well-preserved Luristan cast bronze dagger featuring a long triangle-shaped double-edged blade and a raised mid-rib. The crescent-shaped pommel and hilt remain perfectly attached to the blade. The pommel is now hollowed, but at one time could have had wood or bone inlay. The hilt is cylindrical and has been cast with a ribbed grip and line of small granulations on each side of the handle. The entire sword is covered in a beautiful shiny green and light brown patination. 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: Extremely fine condition, surface is covered in green patination.

SOLD

SKU: CS-88 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 750 g
Dimensions L 47.1 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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