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LOT 0254
Sasanian Silver-Plated Lion Shield Boss
6TH-7TH CENTURY A.D. OR EARLIER
3 in. (80.9 grams, 78 mm).
With stylised repoussé head and face detailing showing two faces, one to the side and the other to the top, the mane represented by a scalloped border; sheet-silver cladding to the head over bronze; pierced for attachment.
ProvenanceEx London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
London, UK, collection.
Cf. similar in the British Museum under accession number 134358; cf. Grabar, O., Sasanian Silver: Late Antique and Early Mediaeval Arts of Luxury From Iran, Michigan, 1967, p.129, no.46, for type.
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Bactrian Bronze Claw Axehead
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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 a 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 would 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 has a narrow edge, and the sleeves have small internal tangs for mounting.
