Description:

Ancient Near East, Luristan, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A bronze short sword/dagger with a crescent-shaped motif forming the hilt, made by highly trained urban artisans using the lost wax casting technique. The blade was cast first, and then the handle was cast onto it. The handle would have been originally wrapped with leather or something similar to create a gripping surface. Short swords like this were not just made to be used in battle, but instead to show status in the grave or as votive weapons to be deposited in hoards. There is a strong tradition in the ancient Near East of swords and other weapons being associated with the gods. For example, there is a rock carving dating to ca. 1300 BCE from this region that shows a scene of the gods of the Underworld, including one who is holding a sword with a crescent pattern similar to this one. Size: 1.3" W x 16" H (3.3 cm x 40.6 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#138998

  • Condition: Intact, with a well-preserved form and nice mottled deep green/black patina. Old adhesive collection sticker on one side of handle.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 8, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000