Lot 49B
Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Amlash, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A bronze dagger with an elongated, double-edged, triangular blade and a handle decorated with relief snake motifs and low, round bosses. Cast as two parts using the lost wax process, the handle is detailed, with incised lines giving it added texture on its two wide faces. The serpents wind their way up the sides of the handle. Based on evidence from seals, snakes seem to have symbolized the gods. Size: 1.75" W x 9.2" H (4.4 cm x 23.4 cm); 9.5" H (24.1 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 R.D. collection, Long Beach, California, USA collection, acquired over twenty five years from various major galleries
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#125818
- Condition: One side has extensive encrustation; the other is largely smooth, with a dark green patina. Nice remaining details of serpentine motifs, with slight bending to form near the top of the handle.
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