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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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Luristan Bronze Miniature Dagger
12th-11th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Short dagger with leaf-shaped blade, with a slightly pronounced midrib, expanded handle terminating in an equine protome. 294 grams, 25.2 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.
Miniature weapons such as this one apparently functioned as models for actual weapons and may have had a cultic purpose. The hilt of this dagger, if effectively used, should have been flanged for the filling with organic material. Unfortunately, only a few miniature tools and weapons have been found in the archaeological context of the graves, which does not offer clear elements of understanding and comparison. -
Western Asiatic Stone Macehead
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
Toroid and drilled vertically to accommodate a wooden shaft. 453 grams, 74 mm
From the collection of a London, UK, gentleman, 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Luristan Decorated Bronze Axehead
Circa 12th-8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Wedge-shaped blade and a cylindrical socket with collared base and an upper face of stylised zoomorphic form, possibly representing a moufflon with jutting muzzle and horns above represented by a single scroll; the blade long, with a slightly convex blunt edge. 236 grams, 14.1 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. Ex TimesAncient, Bristol, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue entry. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
The moufflon is a regularly used symbol in Luristan art.
