Luristan Short Sword. 13th-9th century B.C. A bronze short sword with double-edged blade, pronounced central rib and square shoulders, the square section hilt ending in an openwork ribbed crescent. Cf. MacGregor, A., Antiquities from Europe and the Near East in the collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green, Ashmolean Museum, 1987, no.17.32. 520 grams, 49 cm (19 1/4 in.) Earlier 20th century Cologne collection, Germany. London Mayfair gallery, UK. Dr D.G. collection, 1990s-2019. Accompanied by an old typed catalogue slip with provenance. The art of Luristan can be described as the art of nomadic herdsmen and horsemen with an emphasis on the crafting of small, easily portable objects, among these a number of bronze daggers, swords and other weapons. According to Moorey and Khorasani, daggers were edged weapons not greater than 36cm in length, dirks (short swords) were between 36cm and 50cm in length, and swords were edged weapons greater than 50cm in length. Our weapon is between these last two categories.

Fine condition.