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LOT 1427
Large Luristan Bronze Gorz
EARLY 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
5 3/4 in. (374 grams, 14.5 cm).
Of tapering cylindrical form with flange to socket, the upper body displaying vertical columns of chevrons between plain bands.
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1990s.
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.
Cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 56.102.1, for very similar; see Godard, A., Les Bronzes du Luristan, Paris, 1931, pl.XIX, no.58, for a similar mace; see also Christie's, The Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, part 1, London, 2002, p.24, nos.18-19; Khorasani, M. M., 'Bronze and iron weapons from Luristan' in Antiguo Oriente: Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Historia del Antiguo Oriente, 7, 2009, fig.8.
FootnotesThis gorz mace head belongs to the category of truncheon-shaped mace heads, a type developed on the Iranian plateau during the Bronze Age, used by Elamite and Luristan warriors since the 3rd millennium B.C. This category of objects was also interpreted as a part of a shaft or cudgel, but most scholars agree on the interpretation of use as a mace.
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Left front side of anatomical armour for horseman, embossed left flank muscles embossed, double border of armour under armpits still partially visible. 465 grams, 33.5 cm
UK private collection, acquired in 1996. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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Luristan Long Sword with Handle
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The Luri people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 BC. According to Khorasani, 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150–1050 BC.' -
Large Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead and Dagger Collection
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Ex London art market, 1980-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
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