Ancient Near East, Luristan, ca. 1000 BCE. This is a very long, cast bronze sword with fantastic naturalistic double horse hooves, in elaborate shoes, forming the pommel. This is particular sword was made from lost wax casting, and this was a cast-on hilt style - the blade was cast first and then the handle was cast onto the blade. The blade itself is long and thin, with very little ridge; the handle comes down over the blade with twin curved flanges. The horse hooves motif speaks to the importance of horses in Luristan society. The region of Luristan, which encompasses the rugged Zagros Mountain chain, is famous for its bronze work that was above and beyond the skill level of contemporary groups. The affluent group in Luristan society that patronized the metalworking industry and purchased fine items like this sword were nomadic horsemen. They would travel into towns and purchase swords and other bronze and iron objects from craftsmen there. Although these horsemen were pre-literate, we know from the records of the Elamites and other southern neighbors that these tribesmen functioned as mercenaries in the constant warfare between the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Elamites. When they died, they were buried in rock-covered tombs with their swords. Size: 34.25" L x 2.75" W (87 cm x 7 cm)

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#116007

Excellent shape; intact, with olive green patina.