C. 2000-700 BC. Amlash culture. A bronze battle axe with a curved blade, tapering cheek, reinforced haft and circular socket. The upper and lower parts of haft are decorated with raised horizontal ribs. 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. The Amlash culture refers to an assortment of historic materials and periods in Northern Iran, enduring for many centuries. Excellent condition; on a custom stand.Size: L:58mm / W:145mm ; 360g; Provenance: From an old British collection of Asian Art formed in the 1990 on the UK and European art market.