Luristan Axe Head in Form of a Bird of Prey’s Head topped by a Lion

Culture: Luristan

Period: Early 1st millennium B.C.

Material: Bronze, remnants of iron

Dimensions: 6 cm x 7.5 cm

Price: 2 400 Euro

Ref: 6322

Provenance: New York private collection, acquired in the 1980s by Henry Anavian, Sumer Gallery, New York, USA.

Condition: The iron blade is only rudimentarily preserved. A small missing part on one side of the setting.

Description: Massive bronze axe head with a cylindrical shaft hole topped by a seated lion. The animal in a lurking position with tense limbs. The finales of the shaft hole with a breaded cord design. Originating from the shaft hole a protruding, semi-circular setting with a notched ray decoration, where the blade was once mounted. Between the shaft hole and the blade setting a protruding eye. The entire axe head is therefore a stylized animal head, possibly of a bird of prey’s one, depicted with a tied up beak. An impressive example of Luristan’s bronze art. Mounted.