Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A lovely cast copper-bronze axe head with two distinct faces. A large socketing shaft is adorned with a ringed base and a molded ring of petals along the top. Stemming from the upper shaft are two axe faces, one horizonal and one vertical, likely used for carving and shaping softer materials. The overall design of this axe head indicates it was not created for use in battle but rather for a craftsman or a builder. Copper-bronze is bronze with a very high percentage of copper that gives the material its noteworthy golden-brown appearance. The overall clean appearance was likely caused by the axe head laying in a river or another area of moving water so that the green and brown patina we expect to see was not able to properly form. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 5.55" L x 3.375" W x 3.8" H (14.1 cm x 8.6 cm x 9.7 cm).

Provenance: ex-private Shenas collection, Queens, New York, USA

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#133828

Surface wear commensurate with age, very minor nicks to shaft and both blade faces, with some fading to decorative elements, otherwise intact and very good. Surfaces were likely lightly cleaned in modern times. Light earthen deposits within shaft, and great golden-brown river patina throughout.