Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 1459

Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head

13TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.

17 7/8 in. (191 grams, 45.5 cm).

With foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, quadrangular section tang with bent terminal.

Provenance

Acquired 1980-2015.
Ex Abelita family collection.

Literature

Cf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, see pl.XXXIII, no.82, from Tepe Hissar; Gernez, G., L’armament en métal au Proche et Moyen-Orient: des origines a 1750 av. J.C., Paris, 2007, p.301, fig.2.88, subtype L2.B.b.

Footnotes

The specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with long pointed biconvex blade and single bevelled tang. They seem to be a Mesopotamian and Susian (Elamite) variant, and this type also includes decorated blades, like the spear from Tello with the inscription 'King of Kish'.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1459

Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head

Sold for (Inc. bp): £124

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Luristan Heavy Bronze Axehead
    Luristan Heavy Bronze Axehead
    13th-7th century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £156

    With broad tapering blade and curved edge, wide socket, hammer-face to rear. 1.28 kg, 19.5 cm



    Acquired on the UK art market before 2000. Property of an Essex, UK, gentleman.

    Lot Details

  • Luristan Bronze Dagger Blade
    Luristan Bronze Dagger Blade
    Circa 1st millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £221

    Comprising a slender blade with a raised midrib extending towards the short tang, broad rounded shoulders; mounted on a custom-made stand. 420 grams total, blade: 39 cm long



    From the private collection of H. Norry, 1980s-1990s.

    The Luri people produced a quantity of fine metalwork, which according to Dr. Khorasani, could be due to a settled period which arose as a result of the defeat of the Elamites by the Babylonians, leaving the Luristani people in relative peace for a period of time after 1200 B.C. According to Khorasani 'A culture of innovation and experimentation flourished, and the repertoire of the Luristan smiths expanded in the period between 1150–1050 BC.'

    Lot Details

  • Byzantine Greek Fire Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
    Byzantine 'Greek Fire' Ceramic Fire Bomb or Hand Grenade
    9th-11th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £124

    Piriform missile with domed filler-hole, petalled decoration to the upper body with pellets, intended to be filled with explosive liquid and wick, used as a hand grenade. 431 grams, 10.7 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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list