Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
Circa 13th-7th century B.C. Featuring an oval-shaped socket, straight upper edge and curved lower edge with slightly convex cutting edge. Cf. Calmeyer, P., Datierbare Bronzen aus Luristan und Kirmanshah II. Datierbare Gruppen (chronologisch geordnet), De Gruyter, 1969, fig.6, p.10, group 2, type A3 a, of the Calmeyer classification.1.2 kg, 14.5 cm (5 3/4 in.). Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection. Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds, into which was inserted a core to form the socket for the shaft. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead. [No Reserve]