Luristan Bronze Tanged Chisel

Two-edged leaf-shaped blade with short rectangular tang, corrugated midrib extending almost to the tip and flared at the shoulders. 671 grams, 48.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Luristan was hardly an ethnic or political entity, but the people of Luri had relations through warfare and trade with Sumerians, Lullubi, Assyrians, Babylonians and Elamites in a large time period, spanning from the 3rd to the 2nd millennium BC. The ruling elites of warrior horsemen were buried in the graves with their weapons and horses.

Comprising: a rowel spur of early 13th century date with short neck; a 14th century U-shaped rowel spur with straight neck, five star rowel and squared terminals with fittings and a buckle; a 17th century drop neck spur with multi-pointed rowel, the arched body decorated with transversal lines and bilobate terminals. 280 grams total, 13.2-16.5 cm



From the collection of the famous author, writer and speaker, Gordon Bailey, Essex, UK; formed since 1968.

By the late 13th century A.D., rowel spurs in the West had virtually replaced the old single prick point type spur. The rowel spurs were more effective as a goad and at the same time less damaging to the flank of the horse.

Comprising an H-section tang with lateral wings, slender leaf-shaped head with spiked point. 28.37 grams, 18.5 cm



Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.

Some texts related to ancient Mesopotamian wound dressing give detailed instructions for surgery with a scalpel, including post-operative care such as the dressing of operations sites with oilsoaked linen bandages. One scantily described operation is the cutting between the third and fourth ribs, counting from inferior to superior, to relieve pus collection in the pleura or liver.