Description:

Ancient Near East, Neo-Sumerian Empire / Third Dynasty of Ur (Ur III), ca. 2100 to 2000 BCE. A cast bronze axe with a spiked butt, probably intended as a votive weapon rather than an actual tool for war. The blade itself is rounded on its lower end, narrowing as towards the socket; three spikes project from the opposite side of the thick socket. Weapons seem to have been sacred to the gods in ancient Mesopotamia, and they are often depicted holding them static rather than wielding them with violence. This type of axe head was probably placed into a grave to mark the wealth and status of the deceased. Size: 4.25" L x 2.25" W (10.8 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: private J. Connell collection, Massachusetts, USA; ex estate of John Piscopo. Mr. Piscopo was one of the largest collectors of ancient weapons in the USA with a collection that spanned all cultures, all ages.

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#128072

  • Condition: Well preserved form with smooth green patina on surface and light encrustation. Small loss to bottom rim of socket. Lucite cone for display purposes only.

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December 5, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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