Extremely Fine Luristan Bronze Dagger

$884.60

An extremely fine Luristan cast bronze dagger, comprising a long, pointed blade with raised mid-rib and a flanged, hollowed hilt. In flanged hilt swords and daggers, such as this fine example, the hilt and blade have been cast together in a single piece, with raised flanges to the hilt’s edges, hollowed to hold wood or bone inlay. This would have prevented the sword to tearing itself apart when used. The beauty and the refinement on such weapon suggest that the dagger might have been used in ceremonial and religious offices rather than in war or combat. Blades of this type are more commonly found in the territories of ancient Western Persia (modern Iran) and were used from the late Bronze Age onwards.

 

Date: Circa 1800-600 BC
Condition: Extremely fine, complete and intact. The piece has been mounted on a custom-made stand, ideal for display.

SOLD

SKU: LD-150 Category: Tag:

Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the area of modern South-Western Iran. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Most of Luristan weapons have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting that such weapons would have used not only in everyday life but also with ceremonial purposes.

To discover more about the Luristan Empire, please visit our relevant blog post: The Luristan Empire: Beauty of Bronze.

Weight 435.1 g
Dimensions L 37.3 x W 5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, item 61.261.5.