C. 2000-700 BC, Luristan culture. A Luristan bronze axe head with a crescentic blade, narrow cheek and rounded socket with sub-rectangular flanges. Bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, axe 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:92mm / W:105mm ; 375g; Provenance: Property of a North London professional; previously acquire on the UK/European art market in the 1980s.