Ancient Near East, the Levant, Canaan, Middle Bronze Age, ca. 1950 to 1539 BCE. A fine copper alloy axe head formed via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, with a distinct crescent-shaped "duckbill" form. The axe head presents a curved edge, an openwork socketing shaft, and a pair of large ovoid gaps in the body that increased the aerodynamic efficiency. This is the style of axe head from Hazor, which is described in the Book of Joshua as the head of the Canaanite city-states, and the site of one of Joshua's most important victories in the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land. Archaeological expeditions from 1955 to 1958 revealed Middle and Late Bronze age temples, palaces, and fortifications, as well as a range of artifacts like this one. Size: 3.75" L x 2.375" W (9.5 cm x 6 cm)
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, purchased prior to 2008
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#136968
Condition
Minute old nicks to peripheries commensurate with age and use. Stable pressure crack to one section of socketing shaft. Copper alloy has developed an attractive mottled green patina.