Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 11th to 13th Dynasty, near modern-day Aswan, Kubbaniya North, Nubian culture, ca. 2130 to 1649 BCE. A striking pair of axe heads from Ancient Egypt: one made from bronze and the other from copper. First, the larger is made from copper and presents a semicircular blade, a straight spine, and 3 perforations between a pair of hooked flanges. The well-preserved weapon is incised on one side with the image of 2 birds, a horse, and a person, while the other side is carved with a cartouche containing an E-shaped character. The incising seems to have been done later, perhaps even in modern times. Alternatively, the more petite axe head is forged from copper and exhibits a dramatically curved blade that slants slightly inward before extending to 2 straight flanges. A pair of annular suspension holes are featured on the spine. Size of larger (incised axe head): 4.1" L x 2.8" W (10.4 cm x 7.1 cm)

Provenance: private Everett, Massachusetts, USA collection; (etched axe head): ex-Ancient Resource Auctions, Montrose, California, USA, October 6, 2018, lot 61; ex-private Southern California, USA collection / (more petite axe head): acquired from Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA, September 27, 2016, lot 255; ex-estate of John Piscopo. Mr. Piscopo was one of the largest collectors of ancient weapons in the US with a collection that spanned all cultures, all ages.

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#183196

Incised decoration has been added more recently, possibly in modern times. Both have expected nicks, abrasions, and softening to blades. Otherwise, both are intact and excellent with rich patina throughout.