Western Asiatic Black Hardstone Macehead






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A Western Asiatic ceremonial macehead carved from black hardstone, dating to circa 3rd–1st millennium BC, with a tapered top, conical body and cylindrical base, dimensions H 7.3 cm × W 5.5 cm, featuring a central shaft channel, in good condition and authentic/original.
Description from the seller
A Western Asiatic ceremonial macehead, carved from beautiful black hardstone. The macehead has a tapered shape with a convex top leading to a conical body. Beneath is a cylindrical base. There is a shaft channel running vertically through the centre of the piece. Earthy encrustation to the surface. Minor shipping to the rims of the shaft channel.
These types of objects are normally called mace heads. They may have been mounted on a shaft as a symbol of rank, perhaps derivative from a true weapon of similar form. Throughout the ancient world, maceheads varied significantly, and we know of a great number with different styles and decorations. Maceheads may not only have served a purpose in warfare, but also in religious contexts. Indeed, maceheads played an important role as votive offerings in shrines and temples across the ancient Near East.
Measurements: H 7.3cm x W 5.5cm
Provenance: Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Property of a North West London gentleman.
Seller's Story
A Western Asiatic ceremonial macehead, carved from beautiful black hardstone. The macehead has a tapered shape with a convex top leading to a conical body. Beneath is a cylindrical base. There is a shaft channel running vertically through the centre of the piece. Earthy encrustation to the surface. Minor shipping to the rims of the shaft channel.
These types of objects are normally called mace heads. They may have been mounted on a shaft as a symbol of rank, perhaps derivative from a true weapon of similar form. Throughout the ancient world, maceheads varied significantly, and we know of a great number with different styles and decorations. Maceheads may not only have served a purpose in warfare, but also in religious contexts. Indeed, maceheads played an important role as votive offerings in shrines and temples across the ancient Near East.
Measurements: H 7.3cm x W 5.5cm
Provenance: Acquired in the 1980s-1990s. Property of a North West London gentleman.
Seller's Story
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
