Scythian Bronze Hatchet with the Head of a Raptor

Culture: Scythian

Period: 6th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 19.5 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 5131

Provenance: Austrian private collection, acquired in the 1990s. Thence collection Claus-Eberhard Schultze, Berlin, Germany.

Condition: Intact

Description: Massive cast hatchet with a cylindrical shaft hole tube. The blade is slightly bent downwards and curved inward. In front of the shaft hole tube two semi-circular, curved ridges. The nape also strong, with two longitudinal ridges on both sides, ending in a stylized head of a raptor. The bird with circular eyes and heavily curved beak. A ceremonial weapon of the steppe nomads, belonging to the so-called Scythian animal style.