Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan culture, ca. 9th to 7th century BCE. An intriguing axe head forged from copper of perhaps a ceremonial form. Atop the back of the cylindrical socketing shaft is a recumbent creature without a head, perhaps a ram as they were highly symbolic of fertility and virility. The lengthy blade is oriented vertically and has a base that projects out from the fang-filled mouth of an abstract leonine creature with hemispherical eyes and a thick snout. Size: 6.3" L x 3.625" H (16 cm x 9.2 cm)
Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000
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#161750
Condition
Repair to upper socketing shaft and leonine head with thick adhesive residue along break lines. Ram head on back of socketing shaft missing as shown. Nicks to blade and shaft, with softening to some zoomorphic details, and thick encrustations. Great patina throughout.