Ancient Near East, Luristan, ca. 1000 BCE. This is a cast bronze dagger. The sword has a long, triangular blade with a quadruple ridge; the handle has a double pommel, a rounded guard with the blade visible underneath it, and a narrow handle that would have been wrapped in leather or wood. 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 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: 20.8" L x 2.3" W (52.8 cm x 5.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-estate of Julien Hovsepian

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#116006

Slight wear to blade and heavy patina.