Luristan, northwestern Iran, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. Bronze short sword with medium-length triangular blade and open pommel and grip where wood was inserted. Amazingly, a small section of this original wood survives on one side. Size: 17.75" L (45.1 cm)

It seems that swords like this were not just made to be used in battle, but instead to show status or as votive weapons. There is a strong tradition in the ancient Near East of swords and other weapons being associated with the gods. For example, there is a rock carving dating to ca. 1300 BCE from this region that shows a scene of the gods of the Underworld, including one who is holding a sword similar to this one. Similarly, a golden bowl excavated at Hasanlu (northwestern Iran) shows three swords of similar form to this one that are associated with three deities from the Hittite pantheon. Whatever its original function, this would have been a spectacular weapon to behold, with a deep, shining surface when polished. Whoever commissioned this sword must have been a high status individual, perhaps seeking to honor their gods by handling such a weapon.

Provenance: Ex - Estate of Julien Hovsepian

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#115646

Pommel with denting as shown else generally quite excellent