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LOT 1586
Mesopotamian Bronze Javelin Head
3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
15 1/8 in. (204 grams, 38.5 cm).
With a foliate blade, rhomboidal in section, raised mid-rib, medium-length stem widening at its base and forming a small stop, rectangular-section tang with bent terminal.
ProvenanceEx Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
LiteratureCf. 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.
FootnotesThe specimen belongs to the category of tripartite spears with a long, pointed biconvex blade and a 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'.
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AUCTIONS:
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Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Egg-shaped with spiked prongs to the socket, narrow rounded cutting edge. 148 grams, 13.2 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
The 'claw mace' was an enigmatic ancient bronze weapon from the Bronze Age Near East. The hollow bulbous head was trailed by tines of varying lengths. It is believed that it was affixed over a wooden shaft and used like a club in combat, and not necessarily used as ceremonial weapon. The knife-edge bulb end could have broken bones and proven to be a formidable striking weapon requiring no skill to wield. The tines would have not only been decorative, but have served to add strength below the striking end to prevent breakage. In battle, maces were often used by commanders to display rank when giving orders in battle and leading soldiers, inspiring leadership and power. Egg-shaped with spiked sleeves or prongs, the top of the weapon with a narrow edge, the sleeves with small internal tangs for mounting. -
Western Asiatic Arrowhead and Blade Collection
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £286
Comprising mainly triangular and leaf-shaped tanged types, narrow blades with midrib. 725 grams total, 9.3-21 cm
From a London, UK, collection, 1990s. -
Chinese Zhou Bronze Socketted Spearhead
Zhou Dynasty, 1046-256 B.C.Estimate: £450 - 650 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
With thick midrib, leaf-shaped blade with lateral spurs, deep tubular socket with fastening hole for the attachment to the wooden shaft. 250 grams, 32 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
