Luristan Bronze Sword Blade

$491.36

A fine cast bronze Luristan blade featuring a characteristic tri-pointed finial at its ricasso, which slightly curve over the tang where the hilt would have been inserted to create a short sword. The broad bronze blade narrows until tapering at a point with a prominent central ridge, resulting in a beautifully balanced weapon. The entire blade is covered in a attractive green patination.

Date: Circa 1800 – 600 BC
Condition: Very fine, patination and earthly encrustation to the surface.

SOLD

SKU: MG-44 Category: Tag:

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 of 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 learn more about the metalwork of ancient Luristan, visit our relevant blog post: Ancient Luristan and the Luristan Bronzes.

Weight 381.2 g
Dimensions L 42.9 x W 7.3 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

Reference: For a similar item, please see The Metropolitan Museum, item 61.261.6

You may also like…