Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1078

Heavy Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead

LATE 3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.

5 3/4 in. (741 grams, 14.5 cm).

With swept blade, large socket with shallow raised circumferential rib and a vertical rib to the rear.

Provenance

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Literature

For similar examples of axes see Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg (2003), pl.XX, no.44 (Mundigak, layer III, third quarter of the 3rd millennium B.C.).

Footnotes

In the middle of the 3rd millennium B.C., the most widespread types of axes were those made for splitting and those for cutting. In the last third of this millennium there emerged a sharp differentiation between such axes. Such a sharp division by function should be associated with the influence of the Syro-Palestinian tradition. Such differentiation, in the absence of some multifunctional forms can be observed from the end of the 4th millennium B.C. and during the 3rd millennium B.C.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process


AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1078

Heavy Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead

Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Luristan Copper Flat Axehead
    Luristan Copper Flat Axehead
    13th-7th century B.C.

    Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £50

    Formed with a rounded butt and flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section. 112 grams, 20.8 cm



    UK private collection formed before 2000. Ex North London, UK, gallery.

    Lot Details

  • Heavy Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead
    Heavy Western Asiatic Bronze Axehead
    Late 3rd millennium B.C.

    Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £50

    With swept blade, large socket with shallow raised circumferential rib and a vertical rib to the rear. 741 grams, 14.5 cm



    Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

    In the middle of the 3rd millennium B.C., the most widespread types of axes were those made for splitting and those for cutting. In the last third of this millennium there emerged a sharp differentiation between such axes. Such a sharp division by function should be associated with the influence of the Syro-Palestinian tradition. Such differentiation, in the absence of some multifunctional forms can be observed from the end of the 4th millennium B.C. and during the 3rd millennium B.C.

    Lot Details

  • Viking Rus Silver-Gilt Sword Belt End Group
    Viking Rus Silver-Gilt Sword Belt End Group
    10th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £338

    Comprising four sword belt strap ends of roughly rectangular form, with one rounded or gabled end and one fishtail end, each bearing a different nielloed decorative scheme, comprising: one with split front plate bearing geometric foliage framed by radiating lines to the perimeter; one with pelletted border and medial scrolled bar; one displaying a medial row of circular recesses and surrounding circular motifs; one decorated with five medial circular recesses on a ground of foliate forms, pellet border; all with a set of mounting lugs to the reverse. 34 grams total, 37-50 mm

    Fine condition.

    Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Ex an important central London gallery, London W1.

    During the medieval period, belts had a range of functions. They girdled the clothes and enabled suspension of small items such as knives, whetstones, purses and leather bags. The decoration of the belt depended on the social status of its owner: peasants wore woven and simple leather straps, whereas feudal lords, prominent warriors, and princes wore golden belts, which were passed down through the generations.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list