Western Asiatic 'Crescentic' Axehead

A bronze cheek-piece element in the form of a righthand side bar, surmounted by two loops for additional straps, ending in a lion's head at the front, the other extremity bending outwards and ending with a conical tip, remains of the iron bar visible on the sides; once belonging to an articulate bit. 130 grams, 13.5 cm wide

Fine condition.

Acquired mid 1980s to early 1990s. Private family collection formed in London, UK.

The association of Psalia in the shape of a bar and with an articulated bit is documented in Assyria, in Media and in central Iran starting from the 10th century B.C., but the zoomorphic elements of this specimen suggest that it was produced in Luristan. The use of articulated bits, which moved inside the horse's mouth, exerting a minimal pressure on the reins, allowed for better control of the mount.

An iron catapult dart formed with a tapering cylindrical socket, square-section neck and barbed triangular head with full-length medial rib to both faces. 109 grams, 27 cm



Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.

A bronze dagger with a tapering triangular blade, the handle with three raised concentric bands, crescent-shaped pommel. 322 grams, 37 cm



Ex S. Motamed collection. with Bellman's Auctions, 20th-26th June 2015, lot 2482. Property of a London gentleman.

Several similar iron daggers were discovered during excavations at War Kabud. Differently from the bronze specimens, where the handle is ribbed, the iron specimens have bronze nails for fastening of the wooden grip on either side.