Description:

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Amlash, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A gorgeous example of a lost wax cast bronze weapon with a thick, twisted tang terminating in two tiny curls at the pommel. The shape of the blade is triangular, with sloping shoulders. Incised diagonal lines down the midrib give it the appearance of a leaf. Size: 15" L x 1.875" W (38.1 cm x 4.8 cm); 16.45" H (41.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Amlash weapons were buried with the dead in large megalithic tombs, built by part of the Marlik culture. Despite its proximity to large Mesopotamian cultures, the geographical barrier of the high Zagros and Elburz Mountains kept this culture relatively isolated and it developed a very unique tradition. This is an elegant example of a grave good that, based on how few graves have been found in the Amlash assemblage and the impressive size of their tombs, seems to have been reserved only for high status individuals.

Provenance: private J. Connell collection, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

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#128075

  • Condition: Tiny losses along the edges of the blade, especially the upper portion. Light surface pitting. Nice mottled dark brown / green patina on surface that does not obscure many of the decorative details.

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November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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