Luristan Bronze Age Copper Axe Head - 12th to 8th Century BCE | Exceptional Artistry

Venture into the ancient past with this Rare Luristan Copper Axe Head, a testament to the remarkable metalwork of Northwestern Iran's Bronze Age, dating from approximately 1200 to 800 BCE. Originating from the region historically known as Luristan, this artifact showcases the exceptional artistry and sophistication of its time.

The axe head is characterized by its elegant design, featuring two pairs of circular protrusions that flank the ovoid socketing shaft—a stylistic hallmark of Luristan bronzes. Its slender midrib, which gracefully forks towards each corner of the trapezoidal blade head, signifies the blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal that was prized in tools and ceremonial objects alike.

The piece’s golden bronze hue, a result of professional modern cleaning, offers a glimpse of how this artifact would have originally shone. The patina developed over millennia has been carefully preserved, giving us insight into the object's age and use. Measuring 4.69" L x 0.91" W x 1.48" H (11.9 cm x 2.3 cm x 3.8 cm), it is a substantial representation of Bronze Age weaponry and status symbols.

In its time, this axe head would not have been merely a tool of war or craft; it likely held a ceremonial or symbolic function. Luristan bronzes are renowned for their elaborate animal and figural motifs, often found in burial sites, suggesting that such items played a role in funerary rituals or as offerings to deities.

Despite the abrasions and small nicks indicative of its age and history, the axe head remains intact and in excellent condition. Its presentation today reflects the great care taken in its conservation, ensuring that it remains a tangible link to the ancient world.

This artifact’s provenance adds to its allure, with a history that includes a private collection in Everett, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in 2018, and previous residence in the London art market, originally from an English collection in the 1960s.

The Luristan Bronze Age Copper Axe Head is more than a relic; it is a piece of the narrative that tells the story of ancient Near Eastern civilizations, their rituals, and their remarkable advancements in metalworking. This piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, assuring its value and historical significance.