Extremely Fine Head Axe. Luristan, 1800 - 600 BC Bronze 10,5 cm long and 9 cm height. CONDITION: Good condition, see photos. PROVENANCE: Private collection, Montpellier, France, 1970 – 1980. Acquired from the french art market. 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. The swords and axe blades of the Luristan culture, a mountainous region in present-day western Iran, represent a notable example of Iron Age bronze art (c. 1200–600 BC). These weapons were forged with great skill, combining functionality with elaborate ornamental designs. The swords usually had narrow blades with central ribs to reinforce their structure, while the axes had curved or triangular shapes, often decorated with geometric motifs or zoomorphic figures. They were not only instruments of war, but also ritual objects and symbols of status. The quality of the bronze and the complexity of the designs suggest a high level of metallurgical development. These pieces have been found mainly in tombs, indicating their ceremonial value. Today, Luristan weapons are highly prized by archaeologists and collectors for their beauty and historical mystery.