China, Bronze Age, ca. 1700 to 200 CE. This is a pair of small bronze socketed axe heads. One has the remnants of a wooden handle inside of its socket; the other, slightly larger, has an incised design that probably at one time had an inlay. Inlays of precious metals like gold and of stones, like turquoise, are known from examples from this time period. Small-sized pieces like these have inspired archaeologists to think that they may have been made for women and/or children. Size of largest: 2.9" L x 1.9" W (7.4 cm x 4.8 cm).

Provenance: 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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#112242

Both pieces have heavy green patina and dirt encrustation. The smaller of the two has part of a wooden shaft in its socket; the other has dirt embedded in it.