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LOT 1809
Luristan Bronze Socketted Axehead
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
5 7/8 in. (691 grams, 15 cm).
Circular socket and a slender triangular-section blade with a curving cutting edge.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, fig.2.7, subtypes H2Cd, for the type.
FootnotesThis is an example of socketted axes with plano-convex blade, variant H2Cd of Gernez classification. Unadorned weapons, especially axes, adzes and picks, were made by Luristan craftsmen using simple clay or stone bivalve moulds. Typically, the metallic composition consisted of a combination of arsenical bronze and copper, together with a small percentage of lead.
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