Persian decorated bronze spike-butted axe-head 1000 BC

Dimensions:
Length: 19.5 cm
Height: 7 cm
Height on stand: 17 cm

Very good condition with beautiful patina

Nicely set of an acrylic “Plexi-glass” display stand

Complete and intact with earthy encrustations around the shaft, one spike slightly bent.

Cast using the lost wax method; a spike-butted axehead, the short, cylindrical shaft tube with three cords across each side, leading to four short thick spikes. The flaring blade has a convex cutting edge and is ridged on both long sides. The highly curved non-functional blade carries ornamental, imitation cording that extends to the butt.

Several axes of this kind, which form, have been found in tombs, confirming their symbolic use in the worship of the dead.

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

Literature: Cf. P. R. S. Moorey, 'Catalogue of the Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum', 1971, Plates 2 and 3, nos. 14-19. Also items 51 and 52; Luristan Bronzes in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

ALL ITEMS ARE GENUINE AND WILL BE ACCOMPINED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
#938467