Luristan Butted Axehead. 12th-11th century B.C. A spike-butted bronze axe with a short cylindrical shaft-hole with four furrowed ribs leading to four conically-tipped short spikes at the back, blade rising above the shaft hole at the top and springing from the third rib down, broadening into a convex edge. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S., Catalogue of the ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1971, Pl.2, nos.14-16, items 51-52; cf. also Musee' Cernuschi., Bronzes de Luristan, enigmes de l'Iran Ancien, IIIe-Ier millenaire av. J.C., Paris, 2008, p.44, fig.1,3; p.97, no.45, for similar types. 310 grams, 22.2 cm (8 3/4 in.) Earlier 20th century collection. London Mayfair gallery, UK. Dr D.G. collection, 1990s-2019. Accompanied by an old typed catalogue slip. Among the Luristan bronzes and in particular among the weapons there are canonical types, such as the combed axes, or with digitations. It is difficult to know whether this type of axe, given its high decoration in some specimens, was used as a real weapon or was just a symbol of rank and prestige, employed for ceremonial or cult purposes. Considering, however, the concept of parade weapons did not exist, in the surrounding areas, these axes were most probably used for both military and ceremonial purposes.

Fine condition.