Western Asiatic Grey Mottled Hardstone Ceremonial Macehead






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Western Asiatic ceremonial macehead carved from grey mottled hardstone, circa 3rd–1st millennium BC, measuring about 6 cm long and 5.5 cm wide, with a vertical shaft channel and a chip at the bottom inside the shaft channel, in good condition.
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 that tapers towards a groove before the slightly rounded base. There is a shaft channel running vertically through the centre of the piece. The black hardstone displays different hues of black with cream, beige, and white striations. A chip to the bottom of the macehead, inside 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 ancient Mesopotamia.
Measurements: (circa) L 6cm 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 that tapers towards a groove before the slightly rounded base. There is a shaft channel running vertically through the centre of the piece. The black hardstone displays different hues of black with cream, beige, and white striations. A chip to the bottom of the macehead, inside 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 ancient Mesopotamia.
Measurements: (circa) L 6cm 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.
