**Originally Listed At $1200**

Central Asia, Bactria-Margiana (BMAC) or Luristan, ca. 1000 BCE. A cast bronze sword blade with a large, complex ridge composed of multiple small ridges down its center. A thin, short tang projects from the upper part of the blade and would once have had a handle cast onto it. Central Asia was a crossroads during this time period; people here were influenced by Iran in the west and the Indus Valley civilizations like Harappa in the east; however, they had their own distinctive bronze style. Size: 1.9" W x 22.05" H (4.8 cm x 56 cm)

Bactrian metalwork was specialized enough that there must have been a class of artisans in the society who specifically produced items like this sword. They would have needed crucibles that could withstand great heat, equipment for pouring metal, molds, and furnaces that could operate at very high temperatures. Technology spread across a vast and sparsely populated area via nomadic people and trade routes. The unique ridge design on this sword is probably the result of experimentation and individual choice on the part of a single workshop or metalsmith.

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection acquired in The Dominican Republic over 20 years ago

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#127619

Loss to one side of blade, and repair on the opposite side. Tang has tiny loss near the top. The edges of the blade have tiny losses. Nice grey-blue-green patina on surface.