Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Dong Son Culture, ca. 1000 BCE to 100 CE. An impressive bronze axe head from Dong Son culture, exhibiting an incredibly rare form! Enveloped in rich layers of green and russet patina, the ancient weapon features a tubular socket that flares out to a curved blade. Liberal remains of an incised, abstract design adorn the shaft, while a pair of perforations on either side allow it to attach to a handle. A standing bird, perhaps a crane, is perched atop the shaft, just before the socket, facing the opposite direction of the blade. Intricately formed, the avian displays tucked wings, a lengthy tail, broad feet, and an elongated neck, as he gazes out from petite eyes above a pointed beak. A stunning example and historical evidence of the old adage "looks can kill!" Size: 8.9" L x 4.7" W (22.6 cm x 11.9 cm); 9.4" H (23.9 cm) on included custom stand.

The casting technique for Dong Son bronzes was demanding artistically and technically. Based on archaeological investigation, it is likely that such bronzes were made by local workshops staffed by specialists. Archeological evidence suggests that bronze items - both the making of and ownership of - were controlled by a limited elite who used them to acquire and maintain power over their own people.

The Dong Son are famous for their bronzes. Animals - especially birds - are sometimes found as motifs on their large bronze drums, alongside motifs of boats. Based on the fantastical characteristics of many of these bird representations, it seems likely that the artisans creating them - and owls like this one - saw some mythical role for birds. Dong Son bronzes, and particularly their drums, have been found from around the Red River delta (where they were made) all the way south to Java and New Guinea, demonstrating a huge geographical trading spread. Famous examples of the drums include the Nguc Lu I drum, found southeast of Hanoi in 1893. The Dong Son culture thrived in northern Vietnam and its burials, rich in bronze goods, demonstrate a high level of wealth relative to neighboring areas.

Provenance: ex-Provos collection, Bremen, Germany, acquired prior to 1990

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#170010

Expected nicks, pitting, and abrasions, as well as some flaking to surface and softening of incised detail. Indentations on interior. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely patina.