A finely cast Luristan bronze dirk, featuring a narrow blade with a flattened mid-rib. The hilt, featuring a rectangular guard and a wedge-shaped pommel, is flanged and would have been designed to accommodate an inlaid wood or bone panel. Patination and earthly encrustations to the surface. Minor chips to the flanges and blade. Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Flanged dirks, swords and daggers were made from one piece of metal, the blade and the grip cast together. The grip would then have been decorated with an inlay, typically bone, limestone or wood. Due to limited numbers surviving with inlays intact, it would seem the majority were made from wood, susceptible to erosion. Measurements: L 27.5cmx W 2.2cm Provenance: Ex. London Collection, formed between 1990 - present