BRONZE AGE MACE HEAD ON STAND

C. 2000-700BC. A Luristan cast bronze mace head with a tubular shape and a carinated midsection. Bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, maceheads, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual context. A macehead such as this one would have been an important symbol of rank, and have served a purpose in warfare, but also in religious contexts as maceheads were common votive offerings in shrines across Western Asia. Superb condition, on a custom-made stand. Size: H:90mm/H:105mm (without stand); 327g. Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK and European art market.