Luristan Bronze Short-Sword with Socketed Pommel

$1,050.85

A finely moulded Luristan bronze dagger featuring a triangular flat blade with sharp edges and a blunt point. The blade rests in a rectangular cross-guard, sloping into a squared-sectioned hilt with an applied band at its centre. Two ridges decorate the band, a motif that also features on the crescent-shaped pommel. The pommel is flanged from where a bone or wood inlay once rested. A beautiful green and brown patina remains on the surface.

 

Date: Circa 1800-600 BC
Condition: Very fine condition. A few chips to the edges and the grip.

SOLD

SKU: MG-51 Category: Tags: ,

Throughout the Ancient World, from Greece to Persia, battles raged. The skilled Ancient Persian craftsmen, particularly in the Luristan area, developed great skill in bronze metalwork, producing some of the finest weaponry then available. 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 300 g
Dimensions L 43.8 x W 4.6 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

Reference: For a similar item, please see The Met Museum, item 66.31.3