Description:

Western Asia, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. This extraordinary bronze axe head originates from Western Asia, a region encompassing parts of modern-day Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, known for its sophisticated metallurgy and deep-rooted cultural traditions. The scene on this axe head - depicting a lion hunting a bull - reflects the power dynamics and cosmological beliefs that permeated Western Asiatic art. One of the oldest allegorical symbols, the lion-bull motif represents the fundamental forces of life and death in a terrible, intense struggle; the bull being the life force that is activated by being slain by the lion. The lack of a sharpened edge indicates its use as a ceremonial or funerary item rather than a weapon. Such axes were common in sacred contexts, serving as offerings to deities or as grave goods meant to empower or protect the deceased in the afterlife. Size: 24.4" L x 7.5" W (62 cm x 19 cm)

This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and is accompanied by a confirmation letter.

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Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA; ex-private Oxfordshire, UK collection; ex-F.N. collection, Ontario, Canada, formed in the 1980s

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#190245

  • Condition: Expected abrasions and weathering to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Rich patina throughout with good remaining detail.

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November 15, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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