Ancient Near East, north of Iran, Marlik, ca. second half of 2nd millennium to early 1st millennium BCE; Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 800 BCE. A fascinating pair of stone mace heads: one carved from black hematite from Marlik culture and the other of chalky white stone from Luristan. First, the Marlik mace head presents a thick-walled, piriform body with a cylindrical socket, open at both ends. Alternatively, the Luristani weapon is in the form of an elongated sphere with a vertical shaft excavated through its center. Two very faint incised lines create a moon-like motif on one side. Size of black mace: 2.5" Diameter x 2.75" H (6.4 cm x 7 cm)

Provenance: private Everett, Massachusetts, USA collection, both acquired from Artemis Gallery; black mace: January 18th 2018, Lot 53D; ex-private Carlton collection, Los Angeles, California, USA acquired between 1965 and 1980; white mace: November 25th 2019, Lot 306; ex-private East Coast, USA collection.

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#183288

Black stone has chips and nicks commensurate with use and age, with minor losses to hafting rim. White stone has light wear on surface commensurate with age, but overall in excellent condition.