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LOT 1450
Luristan Mace Head
13TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.
6 3/4 in. (294 grams, 17 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. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
9th-11th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Piriform missile with domed filler-hole, two rows of ring-and-dot decoration to the upper body, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 422 grams, 11.2 cm
From a specialist London, UK, arms and armour collection, 1990s. 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'.
Apart from the use of siphons or manual flame-throwers called cheirosiphona, special corps of Roman soldiers employed terracotta grenades, in the form of small jars, abundantly evidenced in archaeological excavations. They were called μεσαία kακαβιά or κυτροκακάβια where the former had a bulbous shape and the latter a more cylindrical form. -
Luristan Bronze Ribbed Macehead
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Of Sara Gorz type with cylindrical shaft extended over the top, rounded knobs around the swollen head, flanked by horizontal grooved bands; mounted on a custom-made stand. 367 grams, 83 mm (633 grams total, 19 cm high including stand)
English private collection. with ArtAncient Ltd, 2013. Private collection, London. -
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Luristan Bronze Dagger
13th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
With ogival blade featuring a square sectioned mid-rib, tubular handle with two horizontal grooves of circular shape and disc pommel. 338 grams, 31.5 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
The dagger represents an uncommon type with its disk pommel and short grip but with a foliate blade of a spearhead. Similar types were already visible in the Mesopotamian reliefs of early 19th century, but pommel disc daggers and foliate blades are a combination that was archaeologically documented on Caucasian daggers until the 9th century B.C., employed by the Urartian warriors.
