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LOT 1499
Luristan Bronze Spearhead
2ND-1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
13 1/2 in. (608 grams, 34.2 cm).
Comprising a leaf-shaped blade with a raised midrib extending to the shaft with a flared collar, rectangular-section tang with curved end and a button finial.
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.2.88, type L2.B., variant L2.B.c, for type.
FootnotesThe type belongs to the category of tripartite lances with a long, pointed biconvex blade and single bevelled tang. In this typology, the blade, of rhomboidal section, is usually well balanced. The stem, medium or short, is widened at its base and forms a fairly clean stop. Elements of the shaft of a similar spear found at Tepe Hissar have allowed the reconstruction of the length of the spear reaching up to 1.40 m.
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From an important specialist collection, London, UK, 1990s onwards. Accompanied by an academic paper by military specialist Dr Raffaele D'Amato, dated 15 July 2019 and titled 'Eastern Roman Empire - Greek Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade (μεσαίον kακάβιον) 9th-11th century AD'.
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