A Massive Spearhead
Gilan or Luristan, end of 2nd millennium B.C.
Bronze
Length: 47.7 cm (total)
Length: 28.2 cm (blade)
Width: 5.8 cm
Price on Request
Net for Export
The lanceolate blade of this solid-cast spearhead features a broad central rib on both sides, which tapers towards the tip and continues on the opposite side into a rectangular tang. At its V-shaped termination, a square-section tang with hooked end is attached. Comparative examples are known from northern Iran. They are usually interpreted as lance or spearheads, although a function as a dagger would also be conceivable in principle. Blade partially with traces of slight corrosion.
PROVENANCE
With Bonhams, London, 22.04.1999, lot 301; consigned by a French dealer, now deceased.
NOTE
Cf. P. R. S. Moorey, Catalogue of the Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum (Oxford 1971), 88, cat. no. 84, pl. 9; G. Zahlhaas, Luristan. Antike Bronzen aus dem Iran (Munich 2002), 33 f., cat. no. 47.

