Near Eastern Alabaster Mace Head

$1,004.05

An alabaster macehead, tubular in shape, and featuring twenty-one faceted phalanges in three rows around the centre.

Date: Circa 1000 - 800 BC
Period: Late Bronze Age
Provenance: Ex major London collection collected by S.M. 1970-2010
Condition: Very fine condition. Mounted on a custom made stand.

In stock

SKU: VB-39 Category: Tag:

A macehead may have been mounted on a shaft as a symbol of rank, perhaps a derivative from a weapon of similar form. Throughout the ancient world, maceheads varied significantly, and we know of a great number with different styles and decorations. Several important examples were shaped by the local metalworkers in Luristan and Gilan from the third millennium BC. These mace heads may not only have served a purpose in warfare, but also in religious contexts – perhaps being associated with piety in Luristan. Indeed, maceheads played an important role as votive offerings in shrines across Mesopotamia.

Weight 198.9 g
Dimensions W 6 x H 4.3 cm
Culture

Stone

Region

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