Ancient Near East, Northwestern Iran / Turkey, Luristan, ca. 2000 to 700 BCE. A fine pair of bronze axe heads from ancient Luristan. Though both display crescentic blades and waisted necks, the larger presents a T-shaped extension to the back while the more petite has a rounded socket with sub-rectangular flanges. Bronze Age Luristan art was the work of nomadic herdsmen and horsemen who crafted small, portable objects, including daggers, swords, and other weapons. Weapons like this one would have been entombed in the small rock graves in which their owners were buried; similar pieces come from the archaeological sites of Marlik and Kalar Dasht. Thick green patina has formed due to age, and the degree of preservation is admirable. Size: 5" L x 4" W (12.7 cm x 10.2 cm)

Provenance: private Everett, Massachusetts, USA collection, purchased September 4, 2020 (solid head) and November 15, 2020 (socketed head); (solid head) ex-private UK collection; ex-private London, UK collection, acquired in the 1990s; (socketed head) ex-private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private North London collection, acquired on the European art market in the 1980s

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#183116

Minor surface abrasions, otherwise both are intact and great condition. Dark toning and green patina throughout.