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

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

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Estimated time period from 1200BCE to 800BCE
Size is 119 mm
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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.


This Luristan axe head represents the advanced metalworking skills of the ancient craftsmen in Northwestern Iran. The circular protrusions and the beautifully executed midrib that extends into the trapezoidal blade are indicative of the Luristan tradition, renowned for its imaginative and technically skilled bronzework. The axe's clean lines and the presence of socketing shaft suggest it may have been used in a ceremonial context or as a status symbol. The artistry and condition of this piece make it a valuable and rare collectible that reflects the ingenuity of Bronze Age metallurgists.

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