Bronze Age Bronze Spearhead with Rat-Tail Tang






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| €40 | ||
|---|---|---|
| €35 | ||
| €25 |
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Spearhead with Rat-Tail Tang, a Bronze Age bronze spearhead with a large leaf-shaped blade dating circa 1200–600 BC, in very good original condition, measuring 29.3 cm long by 4.1 cm wide, with a rat-tail tang and dark to pale green patina, from Ex London Collection provenance and acquired from a private collection.
Description from the seller
A fine Bronze Age bronze spearhead featuring a large leaf-shaped blade. The blade features upwards-sloping shoulders and a wide, prominent central midrib. The blade descends into a stem that flares out towards the bottom. The stem develops to a curved tang with a square terminal, known as a rat-tail tang. A lovely dark patina on one side, and pale green patina to the other, and earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age such as surface scratches. There is minor chipping to the edges.
In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes and the Kassites, settled in the Western Asiatic area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Excavated items often included weapons, tools, and finials, as well as small amulets and fittings. Everyday objects are also found including pins and bracelets. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Early models of spearheads were designed looking like flat dagger-like blade with a thin tang which would be used to attach the metal head to a wooden shaft and be tied to the body. Later designs, such as this one, would evolve to provide side support which would allow a more secure attachment to the weapon.
Measurements: (circa) L 29.3cm x W 4.1cm
Provenance: Ex London Collection, formed between 1990-present.
Seller's Story
A fine Bronze Age bronze spearhead featuring a large leaf-shaped blade. The blade features upwards-sloping shoulders and a wide, prominent central midrib. The blade descends into a stem that flares out towards the bottom. The stem develops to a curved tang with a square terminal, known as a rat-tail tang. A lovely dark patina on one side, and pale green patina to the other, and earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age such as surface scratches. There is minor chipping to the edges.
In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes and the Kassites, settled in the Western Asiatic area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Excavated items often included weapons, tools, and finials, as well as small amulets and fittings. Everyday objects are also found including pins and bracelets. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Early models of spearheads were designed looking like flat dagger-like blade with a thin tang which would be used to attach the metal head to a wooden shaft and be tied to the body. Later designs, such as this one, would evolve to provide side support which would allow a more secure attachment to the weapon.
Measurements: (circa) L 29.3cm x W 4.1cm
Provenance: Ex London Collection, formed between 1990-present.
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.
