Bactrian Bronze Eye Axehead

3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.

6 1/4 in. (327 grams, 16 cm).

Fan-shaped blade; an apotropaic eye in relief to each side of the socket; wing-shaped extension to the rear.

Provenance

From an old London, UK, collection.
Ex London, UK, gallery.

Literature

Cf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.15, subtype H 2.I.b.

Footnotes

Most of these axes are believed to have originated in Bactria, but some objects come from well documented contexts in Margiane (Gonur), Lut (Shahdad) and Kermanshah (Khinaman). According to Gernez they were made for ceremonial use.

CONDITION

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LOT 1404