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LOT 1520
Luristan Bronze Macehead
LATE 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
6 1/8 in. (190 grams, 15.6 cm).
Of cylindrical shape, the upper section with alternating rectangular panels framed by pseudo-rope design and vertical rows of three prominent spikes, a short cylindrical shaft edged at top and bottom.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureSee 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.
FootnotesThis weapon has been used in different ways, and it was probably considered the main tool in the Kassite civilisation because of the high number of maces found in this area. Bronze maces in Luristan possibly had wooden handles, although most of them unfortunately, have been eroded and severely deteriorated. According to Khorasani, such maces were realised with the lost-wax process.
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Mesopotamian Bronze 'Anchor' Axehead with Incised Star Sign of the Sun God Shamash
Late 3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,160
Comprising a crescentic blade with two spurs at each end intended to brace against the shaft, a narrow neck, flared socket with vertical spurs and a knop finial projecting from the rear; ribbed decoration on the rear edge; one side of the blade incised with a symbol of the god sun Shamash, depicted as a four-pointed star with wavy rays alternating with straight rays, a winged solar disc inside. 294 grams, 12.7 cm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13043-248308.
This specific type of weapon is called an ‘anchor’ axe because of its shape. Anchor axes have been excavated in Egypt, at Byblos and Ur. Many of them have been said to come from Iran as well, especially from the area of Gilan. The present specimen, in which the shaft hole is joined to the blade by the central tang, is of the same specific type as that excavated in Ur. According to Calmeyer, these axes developed in Mesopotamia. Moorey further explains that the large numbers of these axes reported from Iran could derive from Mesopotamian imports. The Mesopotamian origin of our axe could be further confirmed by the incised motif on the blade, the symbol of the sun god Shamash. The ‘star of Shamash’, typically represented as a four-pointed star with wavy lines placed between the points, is attested as early as the period of Sargon of Accad, who dominated Mesopotamia in 2200 B.C. This symbol can be visible on various Mesopotamian artworks, like the ‘Kudurru’ of Ritti-Marduk at the British Museum; however, dated to 1125-1104 B.C. Another representation is visible on the Tablet of Shamash at the BM, dated 800 B.C. It is also possible, therefore, that the symbol of Shamash was incised on the axe in a later period, but not later than 800 B.C. -
Indian Silvered Bronze Sabre Handle
20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising a lentoid-section bulbous grip with lateral stub quilloons and carinated spur to both faces ending in a trefoil, dished disc pommel with dome and knop; curved knuckle-guard with returned knop finial; reserved panels of arabesque foliage ornament, rosettes and linear detailing. 447 grams, 19.1 cm
Private collection, UK. -
Large Viking Age Iron Socketted Bearded Axehead
Circa 10th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Finely curved broad blade with chin to the lower edge, rounded socket with lateral triangular extensions and a rectangular extension to the rear; professionally cleaned, conserved, and restored. 730 grams, 21 cm
From the family collection of a South East London collector; formerly acquired in the late 1950s.
This type of bearded axe seems to correspond to the E2 category of the Viking axe classification, but also has affinity with the Slavic axe-type Y. Usually these bearded axeheads (skeggöks) had a longer edge, designed to split tree trunks into planks and beams. Some of the bearded axes were known as halfÞynna öx; the neck on such a 'half thin axe' was thinly forged, to make it lighter.
