C. 2000-700 BC, Luristan culture. A Luristan cast bronze mace head with a domed tip, globular body and conical neck; the body is covered in numerous projecting spikes. The head terminates in a flaring, rounded socket. Bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, mace heads, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual context. A mace head 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 mace heads were common votive offerings in shrines. Superb condition with a beautiful patina; mounted on custom-made stand.Size: L:70mm / W:89mm ; 650g; Provenance: Private Kent collection, formed in the 1980-90s on the UK art market.