Luristan Bronze Sword with Detailed Grip

£ 2,750.00

An exceptional Luristan bronze sword featuring a bifacial triangular blade covered in a beautiful olive-green patina. The blade displays a pronounced midrib with parallel blood channels either side. This feature makes the blade lighter and enhances its stability, gifting the weapon with good balance and manageability. The cylindrical hilt is connected to the blade by a penannular guard, two protruding knobs sit on either side of the handle, which is further enriched by two lateral ridges, allowing for a secure hold to the weapon. A flat disc guard tapers into a short pierced tang, indicating the presence of a decorative finial, which is now lost.

 

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

SOLD

SKU: MG-50 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 650 g
Dimensions L 54.5 x W 7.9 cm
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Region

Metal

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