An exceptional Luristan Bronze Decorated Axehead, ca. 1200 - 800 BCE

Superbly designed and cast using the lost wax method; a spike-butted axehead, the short, cylindrical shaft tube with seven cords across each side, leading to five double-sided stylized human head hammer-type spikes down the rear spine of the socket. The flaring blade has a convex cutting edge, is ridged on both long sides, and the upper blade is finely decorated with an incised floral and geometric decoration on both sides. The highly curved non-functional blade carries ornamental, imitation cording that extends to the butt and the top border edge has a fine double herringbone pattern.

Elaborate blades of this type were used as parade weapons, as votives, and as attributes of cult statues. They may have been associated especially with the god Hadad.

Reference: For a similar example see: Mahboubian, “Art of Ancient Iran” (1997), 176, fig 191 and Moorey PRS, “Catalogue of Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum” (1971), 49-52, fig 16.

Condition: Rich deep blue-green surface patina. Intact, and in excellent condition overall. A superb example. Custom metal base with Christies sticker attached.

Dimensions: Length: 8 inches (20 cm)

Provenance: The Breitbart Collection of Ancient Art, ex. Christies, NYC, Sale 8206, June 2, 1995 lot #185.