China, Shang Dynasty, 16th to 11th century BCE. This is a bronze spear head (in Chinese, a mao) with a highly defined ridge and hollow body as well as a hollow socket. This spear is hollow and was made to be an accompaniment to burial. Bronze weapons seem to have had some particular significance in burial, possibly indicating a higher status individual. For example, in a mass grave of Shang-period soldiers excavated by archaeologists at Yan, there were over 30 shafted weapons - but only two were bronze. The patina on this piece is particularly interesting, indicating an unusual copper alloy for the bronze. Size: 10.6" L x 1.7" W (26.9 cm x 4.3 cm)

Provenance: Ex - S.D. Collection, West Hollywood, Ca

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#115337

Wear to the bronze, with olive green patina; one small corroded break in the blade and missing fragments from the end of the socket as shown. Some material remains inside of the socket.