Western Asiatic Bronze Bronze Spearhead with Central Rib and Small Barbs - 22 cm

Long and slender bronze spearhead attributed to the Luristan cultural sphere of Western Iran.

The piece features a distinctly lanceolate blade with an elongated, tapering point and a pronounced central rib extending along the middle of the blade.

The blade reaches its greatest width in the lower section before tapering evenly towards the long, narrow point. The prominent central rib reinforces the blade and gives the spearhead its characteristic profiled appearance.

Particularly noteworthy are the small backward-facing barbs situated at the transition between the blade and the socket. These project laterally below the base of the blade and are clearly visible from different viewing angles. The small barbs give the weapon an unusual and visually distinctive form.

Below the blade, the spearhead transitions into a long, approximately conical socket, originally intended to receive and secure a wooden shaft. The open end of the socket is preserved.

The bronze surface displays a pronounced green to blue-green patina, interspersed with darker brown to almost black areas. Particularly strong green patination and corrosion deposits are visible along the central rib and across areas of the blade.

Typological Classification

Bronze spearheads and lance heads belong to the characteristic weapon types associated with the Luristan bronze tradition of Western Iran.

In addition to relatively simple lanceolate examples, numerous variations are known featuring pronounced central ribs, defined shoulders, socketed construction and additional lateral projections.

The present example is distinguished by the combination of a long and narrow blade, prominent central rib, conical socket and small backward-facing barbs at the base of the blade.

The central rib was not merely decorative but also provided additional structural rigidity to the comparatively thin bronze blade.

Dating

Based on its form and typological relationship to bronze weapons associated with Luristan, a dating to the Early Iron Age, approximately 10th–8th century BC, is plausible.

Condition

Good age-appropriate condition.

The blade, including its elongated point and pronounced central rib, is largely preserved. The small barbs at the base of the blade also remain clearly visible.

The bronze displays a pronounced green to blue-green age patina, together with darker areas, corrosion products and mineral deposits. Age-related surface irregularities, minor edge losses and small areas of wear are present.

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

Included in the Sale

The sale includes exclusively the ancient bronze spearhead.

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.