Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate Period, ca. 1070 to 712 BCE. A rare and gorgeously preserved cast bronze dagger with deep space for inlays on its long handle. Still visible within these inlays are fragments of bone and / or ivory that would have formed the full handle, probably held in place with bronze pins. The bone / ivory was most likely intricately carved; an example from the British Museum archives is said to have had its ivory carved in the form of a papyrus scroll, while an older example from Christie's has a series of figures carved into it (http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/an-egyptian-wood-and-bronze-dagger-new-5385320-details.aspx). The blade itself is spatula-shaped, flat, with no midrib. The piece has an interesting seaweed green-colored patina. Size: 1.7" W x 12.7" H (4.3 cm x 32.3 cm); 13.2" H (33.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Ancient Egyptians mastered the art of copper alloys over time, and the Third Intermediate Period and Late Period formed the golden age of fine bronze sculpture and weaponry, of which this is an excellent example.

Provenance: private St. Louis, Missouri, USA collection; ex-private Atlanta, Georgia, USA collection

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#128948

Extensive encrusted patina of a bright turquoise color over most of surface. Patina has been stabilized. Remains of bone inlays in handle. Loss to upper edge of handle as shown. Three well done repairs to the blade, one low down, one center, and one at the guard.