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LOT 1573
Ethiopian Coptic Iron Halberd
15TH-17TH CENTURY A.D.
9 1/8 in. (308 grams, 23.2 cm).
Single-edged crescent-shaped blade equipped with two curved pins with holes for attachment to a wooden shaft. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceEx USA private collection, 1970s-1990s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
See similar type in Flinders Petrie, W., Tools and Weapons, British School of Archaeology in Egypt and Egyptian Research Account 22nd Year, 1916, UC, 1917, pl.VIII, no.189.
FootnotesThe blade belongs to the category of crock-backed blades, as classified by Flinders Petrie. More ancient fine Coptic examples are engraved with zigzag lines, a cross, fishes, and vine pattern. The iron halberd, viii, may be of some later date. The iconography of the medieval churches in Ethiopia suggest that these weapons were used as ceremonial halberds, and worn by guardsmen of rulers and bishops. A form similar to these halberds was used as a hoe in South Africa.
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AUCTIONS:
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Massive Amlash Bronze Spearhead Blade
13th-12th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
With large ovate blade, broad midrib, rounded shoulders and rectangular-section tang with bent tip ending with a button. 370 grams, 42.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The massive spearhead belongs to type 1 of the Khorasani classification. Similar excavated examples from Marlik attest the use of such spearheads with bent tang in the area, and Stutzinger dated such weapons to 1200-1100 B.C. The type was the evolution of a typology which began much earlier in Mesopotamia and the fertile crescent, the type 4 of the Stronach classification, with straight square-section tang, usually thickened at the base with a button tang. -
Medieval Iron Triangular Axehead
Circa 15th-16th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
With a wide curved blade and a circular socket. 251 grams, 12 cm
Ex North American private collection, 1970s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Luristan Bronze Spearhead Group
13th-11th century B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Comprising a tanged spearhead with heavily ridged and tapered blade, short collared shaft and square-section tapered tang bent at the tip; a spearhead with foliate narrow blade, short tang with fastening hole. 300 grams total, 26.2-28.7 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Both types of spearheads were found in Amlash and Marlik, and are connected with the types 1 and 2 of the Khorasani classification. The type 1 is characterised by a bent tang and was the evolution of a typology which began much earlier in Mesopotamia and the fertile crescent, the type 4 of the Stronach classification, with straight square-section tang, usually thickened at the base with a button tang.
