LOT 1118

Greek and Other Mixed Arrowhead Collection

CIRCA 17TH MILLENNIUM B.C.-6TH CENTURY A.D.

1 1/4 - 3 3/4 in. (75 grams total, 32-96 mm).

Comprising a Mesolithic flint arrowhead of triangular form; a paddle shaped arrowhead with a flat, comparatively wide mid-rib (Elamite or Old Babylonian); a fully developed bronze arrowhead with a large lozenge-section midrib and triangular barbed blade; an arrowhead with a long slender blade with rounded shoulders and wide flat mid-rib (both Luristan); two bronze arrowheads with slender lozenge-shaped blade and socket extending near the tip, with a side lug (Scythian); a lozenge form blade with a wide socket and high mid-rib (Greek); a large arrowhead with leaf-shaped blade and thin stop ridge collar; a sub-triangular arrowhead with the blade running diagonally to the stop ridge collar at its base; a lozenge-shaped arrowhead with a flat blade, circular stop ridge and long spiked tang (all three Roman); a bronze votive arrow. [11, No Reserve]

Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a Ruislip, UK, gentleman, by inheritance.

Cf. similar Graeco-Persian arrowheads in Head, D., The Achaemenid Persian Army, Stockport, 1992, fig.13.

In the Greek warfare, archers were mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads also found on the Greek sites.