Spiked Luristan Bronze Mace Head

£ 400.00

 A finely cast bronze mace head from Luristan. The mace head is characterised by four protruding spikes arranged in an ‘x’ formation, with a hollow socket for the fitting of the wooden shaft. Although ferocious looking, much of the unearthed Luristan weaponry was ceremonial in function, used as dedicatory objects. The bronze features beautiful olive coloured patination to the surface, testament to the object’s burial in the ground.

Date: Circa 1200-800 BC.
Provenance: From an important collection of a Japanese gentlemen, deceased, 1970-2015.
Condition: Very fine. Beautiful olive green surface patina due to prolonged burial.
Product Code: NES-67
Category: Tags: ,

These types of objects are normally called mace heads. They may have been mounted on a shaft as a symbol of rank, perhaps derivative from a true weapon of similar form. Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region of modern day western Iran. In the ancient world it was settled by a number of peoples, such as the Medes, the Kassites, and eventually the Persians. Many small bronze objects have been found in the area – these items range from ornaments, to weapons, and even vessels. Luristan bronze goods have been found primarily in a funerary context. The Luristan Bronzes represent the art of a nomadic people, for whom all possessions needed to be light and portable.

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

Dimensions W 10.5 cm
Region

Near East (Western Asiatic)

Metal

Bronze

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