Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A massive, heavy cast bronze axe head of rare and votive form. The blade is of an elongated trapezoial shape with rounded corners on the blade edge and an incised face with repeated lines and triangles. The blade has never been sharpened. The butt of the weapon is comprised of three long spikes that project from the face. At the base of the spikes is a fierce lion's head. Comes with custom stand. Size: 5.9" W x 12.95" H (15 cm x 32.9 cm); height on stand: 13.9" (35.3 cm).

The flat back of the weapon suggests it was made solely to be displayed from one angle; also, unlike weapons that were used in Luristan, it does not have a socket to attach a handle. Spike-butted axes have been excavated from graves at Bard-I Bal, Kutal-I Gulgul, and Khatunban, all in the Luristan region. Their function is unclear, with some scholars suggesting they could have been swung back and forth, using the spikes like a mace, and the blunted blade to pierce armor. They may also have been heirlooms, royal regalia, or, like this one, manufactured solely to be grave goods.

Provenance: Ex-private Arias collection, California, Ex-private Buenos Aires collection, acquired before 1990

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#120616

Excellent, with smooth, multi-colored patina overall.