C. 2000-700 BC. Bronze Age. A bronze battle axe with an elongated, spiked blade, rounded socket and reinforced, flanged butt, bearing a highly abstract depiction of a human face made up raised dots and ridges. Bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700 BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, axes, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual context. An axe 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 axes were common votive offerings in shrines. Excellent condition; beautiful patina; on a custom stand.Size: L:88mm / W:185mm ; 425g; Provenance: Property of a London gallery, previously in old British collection formed in the 1980s.