Western Asiatic Bronze Arrowhead Collection

Openwork seal matrix with loop handle on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 39 x 39 x 15 mm. This is round, with notched outer edge with flat face and flat back on which a handle of inverted U-shape is mounted. The design is compartmented and partly open-work, perhaps by accident. It consists of five identical linear motifs starting from the edge, curving around and crossing over themselves then curving around in matching fashion and reaching the edge. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare design. There is a little damage to the edge and the centre of the design, but generally it is in good condition.' 38.5 grams, 39 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered R-745, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Oval in plan with a tapering drilled central socket. 360 grams, 81 mm



Ex private collection, Contessa L.G., since the 1980s. Private collection, acquired in 1999.

The mace was a close-combat weapon consisting of a short handle and a massive striking element—the head, a striking weapon capable of inflicting severe contusions and internal fractures. Although a very archaic and rather primitive weapon, the mace was nevertheless widely used in the ancient East. Its sacred and representative role was particularly significant. Due to its shape, it symbolised the owner's masculinity and was therefore one of the primary insignia of power, symbolising the inseparability of its civil, military, and sacred-magical essences—ensuring the functioning and reproduction of the collective and the conditions for its existence. This is why we so often encounter ‘ceremonial’ maces, especially those made of stone—in this case, undoubtedly a ritual material. However, it must be said that stone, as a material for a mace head, was in no way inferior to metal in terms of combat qualities, while being much more labour-intensive to manufacture, which was precisely what appealed to the ritual, symbolic role of this weapon.

Corner section of a cuneiform tablet with impressed cuneiform text on three sides. 34.7 grams, 42 mm



London, UK, art market, 1980s. Private collection, London, UK.