Luristan Bronze Sword with Original Pommel and Hilt

£ 500.00

An extremely fine Luristan cast bronze sword featuring a long triangle-shaped double-edged blade and a slightly raised mid-rib. The disc-shaped pommel and hilt remain perfectly attached, with the hilt decorated with beautifully cast geometric designs; these designs include a trio of concentric circles at the base of the pommel and a chevron pattern, which transforms into vertical lines connecting to the blade. The hilt connects to the blade in a deep triangular sleeve, which is also embellished with a simple linear design. The entire sword is covered in a beautiful 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: Good condition. Surface is covered with green patination.

SOLD

SKU: CS-78 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 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 250 g
Dimensions L 32.6 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

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

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