No. 102916416

No longer available
Bronze Age Bronze Spearhead with Rat-Tail Tang
Bidding closed
2 weeks ago

Bronze Age Bronze Spearhead with Rat-Tail Tang

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.

No. 102916416

No longer available
Bronze Age Bronze Spearhead with Rat-Tail Tang

Bronze Age Bronze Spearhead with Rat-Tail Tang

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.

Bidding closed
Peter Reynaers
Expert
Estimate  € 250 - € 330

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