Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1368
Luristan Bronze Macehead
LATE 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
5 3/8 in. (244 grams, 13.5 cm).
Of cylindrical shape, the upper section with alternating rectangular panels and vertical rows of three prominent spikes, short cylindrical shaft edged at top and bottom.
Provenance
Ex London, UK, collection, before 1988.
Literature
See Godard, A., Les Bronzes du Luristan, Paris, 1931, pl.XIX, no.58, for a similar; 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.
Footnotes
The mace was probably the oldest weapon used by humans. This weapon has been used in different ways and it was probably considered the main tool in the civilisation of the Kassites because of the high number of maces found in this area. Bronze maces in Luristan probably had wooden handles, although most of them unfortunately have been eroded and severely deteriorated. According to Khorasani, such maces were realised with lost-wax process.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Luristan Bronze Horse Harness Cheekpiece
11th-8th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £160
In the form of a righthand side bar, surmounted by two loops for additional straps, ending in a lion's head at the front, the other extremity bending outwards and ending with a conical tip, remains of the iron bar visible on the sides; once belonging to an articulate bit. 130 grams, 13.5 cm wide
Fine condition.
Acquired mid 1980s to early 1990s. Private family collection formed in London, UK.
The association of Psalia in the shape of a bar and with an articulated bit is documented in Assyria, in Media and in central Iran starting from the 10th century B.C., but the zoomorphic elements of this specimen suggest that it was produced in Luristan. The use of articulated bits, which moved inside the horse's mouth, exerting a minimal pressure on the reins, allowed for better control of the mount. -
Iron Age Celtiberian Dagger
Circa 2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Hand-forged with leaf-shaped blade and three pronounced midribs, rounded shoulder, stepped lower guard square-section tang, upper guard with stepped upper face. 186 grams, 37.5 cm
Ex Mayfair gallery, London, UK, before 1999. Property of a London, UK, gentleman. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue information page. -
Very Large Tanged Bronze Spear
1900-1650 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Each side rising to a pointed ridge, curved tang for attaching to a shaft. 1.06 kg, 73 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The characteristic point is the hooked tang, the end of which was fitted with a button. The spear was inserted into a wooden barrel and then held in place with a series of leather laces (Gernez, 2007, p.312).