Ancient Near East, Northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 800 BCE. A gorgeous cast-white bronze (a tin rich bronze also known as speculum) axe head of a slender, crescent form. The fine implement displays a tapered cutting edge opposite a raised border and an elaborately adorned lug with four horizontal zigzag bands and a zoomorphic butt. Resembling a lion, the adorable creature features an incised mane, sizable eyes, a round snout, pointed ears, and a lengthy tail that rises in a loop to rest its petaloid end upon the animal's back. An anthropomorphic face exhibiting a vertically striped brow, annular eyes, a rectangular nose, bulging cheeks, and two long ears connects the bit to the lug. Given its highly ornamented presentation and brittle composition, this fabulous weapon most likely served ceremonial and aesthetic purposes, rather than utilitarian or military functions. Size: 5" W x 8" H (12.7 cm x 20.3 cm); 11.75" H (29.8 cm) on included custom stand.

The lovely museum-quality, custom stand bears a brass plate inscribed with "Crescentic Axe-Head / Luristan / 1000 to 800 BCE".

Provenance: private Zaveloff collection, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, acquired in 2002; ex-Venus Gallery, Israel

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#162956

Chip to blade and repairs to toe of bit and body. Expected abraded areas commensurate with age. Slight softening of detail. Otherwise, intact and excellent with gorgeous patina.