Rare Luristan Bronze Mace Head Fanciful Form

Ancient Near East, modern day Iran, Luristan, ca. 1100 BCE. A lovely cast bronze mace head with a fanciful form, featuring a cylindrical socket, a wing-like butt, and a curling, elephant-snout-like finial. This mace was never wielded as a weapon, rather it was made solely for votive or funerary purposes. The region of Luristan, which encompasses the rugged Zagros Mountain chain, is famous for its bronze work that was above and beyond the skill level of contemporary groups. The affluent group in Luristan society that patronized the metalworking industry and purchased fine items like this sword were nomadic horsemen. They would travel into towns and purchase swords and other bronze and iron objects from craftsmen there.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2001 to 2002; ex-Tom Cederlind collection, Portland, Oregon, USA

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#150207
Condition Report: Intact, with dark green, mottled patina over the entire surface and nice encrustations, especially on the interior.