Babylonian Bronze Duck-Billed Axehead

With a narrow neck and rounded bill-shaped blade, rounded wings to the socket and square-headed stud behind. 289 grams, 18.3 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1988.

These categories of axes were of Oriental production, coming from the territories of Bactria and Margiana, occasionally imported in Elam and Luristan. The anthropomorphic and zoomorphic patterns are sometimes visible, as well as the button at the back of the heel (very common) are related to examples of Luristan, but the style differs markedly.

With ribbed terminals; the upper body with three relief panels of herringbone design, the main body decorated with spikes, three lion bodies arranged vertically, and three ram-head protomes under the central herringbone panel; mounted on a custom-made stand. 650 grams total, 18.5 cm high (26.5 cm high including stand)



Ex Kuizenga collection, Netherlands. Acquired in Hamburg, Germany, 22 December 1995.

Moorey notes that though the rows of spikes suggest that these objects were designed to be mounted on wooden shafts as cudgels, the projections in the form of lions (?) indicates the possibility that they were also used as votive or parade weapons. However, it does not exclude an effective use on the battlefield, especially if used by commanders as signs of rank.

Of asymmetrical profile with reinforced curved cutting edge, triangular-section socket with flanking spurs to upper and lower edges. 370 grams, 18.5 cm



From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.