Description:

Western Asia/modern day southwestern Iran, Kingdom of Elam, ca. later 2nd millennium BCE. A gorgeous axe head, made to imitate a fierce weapon but with ornate flourishes on its blade and haft-hole. The blade flares outward in a spectacular curve, its edge delineated as a thinner border, with the cross-section of the axe's center quite thick. The haft-hole is cylindrical, with an abstract, avian-like crest emerging from its back. Thick ridges horizontally around the hole give it texture. Size: 3.75" W x 3.55" H (9.5 cm x 9 cm); 5.35" H (13.6 cm) on included custom stand.

This striking axe head is similar to those made in Bactria and Luristan, and it was never intended to be used in war, but was rather a mark of rank - the insignia of a high official or monarch. For example, axes and hammers were given to elites by Elamite monarchs, a practice that we know spread to Kerman (eastern Iran) and then Bactria by ca. 2000 BCE.

See a similar example from Bactria at the Louvre: https://www.louvre.fr/en/oeuvre-notices/ceremonial-ax-head-flared-blade-decorated-head-camel-or-horse-winged-heel

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#132457

  • Condition: A rich, dark, mottled patina graces the surface. Form is in excellent condition.

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April 17, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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