Western Asiatic Polished stone; cast bronze Whetstone with Bronze Ram or Ibex Protome - 22.5 cm

Exceptional Luristan whetstone with a figuratively modelled bronze fitting, dating to the Early Iron Age.

The long, approximately cylindrical sharpening stone is made of light brown to beige-brown stone and tapers slightly towards its rounded end. The surface displays varying shades of brown, darker irregular discolouration, and traces consistent with age and use.

At the opposite end, the stone is set into a cast bronze fitting in the form of a horned animal.

Zoomorphic Bronze Fitting

The sculpturally modelled fitting depicts the forepart of a horned animal, probably an ibex, wild goat or ram.

The animal's head is distinctly directed forward and slightly downward. Particularly characteristic is the elongated head, tapering towards the muzzle.

Above the head rise substantial curving horns extending backwards. Viewed from different angles, the horns are clearly modelled separately from the head, leaving an open space between the horns and the skull. Their pronounced curvature is particularly characteristic of representations of ibexes and wild goats.

The neck and forepart of the animal merge directly into the cylindrical fitting surrounding the whetstone. Moulded ribs or raised bands are visible at the transition.

The bronze displays a pronounced dark to vivid green patina, with brown areas and mineral encrustations. This creates a striking contrast between the bronze fitting and the warm brown tones of the stone.

Function

Whetstones of this type formed part of the characteristic equipment and weapon-related objects associated with the metalworking tradition of ancient Luristan. They were used for sharpening and honing blades, including daggers and swords.

The Encyclopaedia Iranica specifically lists whetstone handles among the characteristic object groups associated with so-called Luristan bronzes.

The elaborately modelled animal protome transformed an otherwise functional implement into an object of considerable decorative and representative character. Horned animals, particularly ibexes, wild goats and related caprids, are recurring motifs in Luristan metalwork.

Dating and Comparable Examples

A dating to approximately the 10th–8th century BC is consistent with comparable examples.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art holds a closely related bronze and stone whetstone with a wild goat protome, dated broadly to the early 1st millennium BC, measuring 20.96 cm in length.

The Detroit Institute of Arts holds a “Whetstone with Mountain Goat Handle” from Luristan, made of bronze and stone and dated 1000–650 BC, with an overall length of 23.5 cm. Its dimensions are therefore particularly close to the present example, which measures approximately 22.5 cm.

Christie's has also catalogued comparable Luristan whetstone handles with ibex protomes dating to approximately 900–700 BC.

Condition

Age-appropriate and overall very attractive condition.

The long sharpening stone is preserved and displays surface wear consistent with age and use, varying discolouration, minor irregularities and deposits.

The figurative bronze fitting is preserved and displays a strong, irregular green age patina, with darker areas, corrosion products and mineral encrustations.

The principal sculptural details of the animal's head, including the muzzle and backward-curving horns, remain clearly recognisable.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.

Comparable Auction Example

A particularly close comparison was offered at Bonhams, Antiquities, London, 6 July 2017, Lot 191.

The object was catalogued as a Luristan bronze whetstone dating to the 10th–8th century BC. Its bronze fitting features a goat protome with curved horns, with the forelegs tucked beneath the body and a suspension loop underneath. The 17 cm long example was sold for £2,250 including buyer's premium.

This reference is provided solely for typological and comparative purposes. The Bonhams example is not the object offered here.

Included in the Sale

The sale includes the whetstone together with its ancient bronze fitting.

The modern display stand visible in the photographs is used solely for presentation and is not included in the sale.

Provenance

Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany.

Acquired during the collectors’ extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection is documented in Germany by 1970 through historical photographs of the family residence and subsequently remained in continuous family ownership.

The objects were acquired privately during the collectors’ travels. As was customary for private purchases made at local markets during the 1950s and 1960s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested.

Historical photographs and biographical documentation relating to the Dammann Collection are available and support the long-standing provenance of the collection.