A rare Central Asian Bronze Dagger, ca. 12th - 11th century BCE

The nomadic nature of the Eurasian steppe tribes allowed for much integration and exchange of styles and customs, as well as physical transportable objects, including personal ornamentation and weaponry. Particularly between the Scythian tribes of the Black Sea region in the West, Central Asian tribes such as the Hephthalites, the Wushu, Yuezhi, and Mongolians to the East, and the Persians further South.

The blade of this piece has strong ties to daggers of the late Chinese Shang Dynasty (see MMA 24.216.1), with a more stylized feline pommel, similar to the art of the Scythians. The slightly curved blade is thin, suggesting durability for practical utilitarian purposes, however the handle is highly ornate, decorated in relief with an interweaving motif of clawed paws, and terminating in an openwork finial of a crouching feline. Such decoration lends itself to the likelihood that it was owned by an important member of the tribe, or that it was for ceremonial/ burial rather than everyday use. 

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: Length: 12 1/4 inches (31 cm)

Condition: Expected surface wear, overall in good condition. Presented on a museum quality custom mounted. 

Provenance:  Private New York City collection, assembled during the 1980s - 1990s, thereafter private NYC collection, acquired from Ariadne Gallery, NYC.