Elamite Axe Head with a Serpent Relief

Culture: Elamite

Period: 2nd millennium B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 18.3 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 6189

Provenance: Swiss private collection Jean Olivier, acquired at Drouot in Paris, auction “Bronzes et terres cuites du Louristan et de la Caspienne”, on 15 December 1980, lot 110. With a copy of the catalogue.

Condition: Intact

Description: Finely decorated ceremonial axe head. On the cylindrical shaft tube two serpents coiling sideways towards the top, where their finely ribbed heads almost touch each other on the edge. Sideways two spherical knobs. Directly on the back of the shaft tube floral decoration, possibly fan palms. The unpolished blade on top and sideways with decorations in cold work. Mounted.