Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 1448
Scythian Bronze Arrowhead Collection
CIRCA 7TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
1 3/8 - 2 1/4 in. (130 grams total, 37-57 mm).
Each with a slender, lozenge-shaped blade and a socket extending near the tip, base of the socket with a side lug. [20, No Reserve]
Provenance
UK private collection before 2000.
Acquired on the UK art market.
Property of a London gentleman.
Literature
Cf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003, in Russian, for similar arrowheads from Eurasian sites (plate XLIV, nos.19,31,32,36,37,38,39,51,71).
Footnotes
In Greek warfare archery was mainly employed by Scythians and Cretans for the longer-ranks. Both used composite bows made of wood, horn, bone and sinew. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads found on the Greek sites.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
.jpg)
Luristan Spear Tip Group
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Comprising four tips with triangular blades; each with a raised midrib and a long tang. 143 grams total, 13.5-18.2 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
Although some of them are different in shape, these arrowheads are apparently related types of a polythetic group. Two basic deltoid forms are represented: one has a sharp, flat blade, the ends of which extend to form wings or barbs, and a prominent midrib extending into a long tang that often has a stop; the blade shape varies from deltoid to more manifestly triangular. The other form has no barbs, but it has a prominent midrib extending to the tang, and a narrow leaf-shaped blade. -
Luristan Copper Flat Axe
13th-6th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Formed with a rounded butt and flared cutting edge; flat in cross-section. 113 grams, 16.9 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Greek Bronze Tri-Finned Arrowhead Collection
Circa 7th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
Comprising: seven arrowheads with a slender, lozenge-shaped blade and a socket extending near the tip, base of the socket with a side lug; eight socketted bronze arrowheads, mainly triangular or foliate in section, trilobate and with short socket. 77 grams total, 23-46 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.
The Scythians were famous for their archery abilities, and were often employed as mercenaries. The Athenian tyrant Pisistratus hired them and they participated in battles beside the Athenian phalanx as well as serving as a police corps keeping order within the city of Athens. This explains the great range of Scythian arrowheads found on the Greek sites.
