Luristan Bronze Head axe. 10,5 cm L. 1800 - 600 BC
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,700 - € 1,900
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Luristan head axe, bronze, 10.5 cm long and 9 cm high, dating to 1800–600 BC, in good condition, from a private collection with provenance Montpellier, France (1970–1980).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Extremely Fine Head Axe.
Luristan, 1800 - 600 BC
Bronze
10,5 cm long and 9 cm height.
CONDITION: Good condition, see photos.
PROVENANCE: Private collection, Montpellier, France, 1970 – 1980. Acquired from the french art market.
Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the area of modern South-Western Iran. 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. Most of Luristan weapons have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting that such weapons would have used not only in everyday life but also with ceremonial purposes.
The swords and axe blades of the Luristan culture, a mountainous region in present-day western Iran, represent a notable example of Iron Age bronze art (c. 1200–600 BC). These weapons were forged with great skill, combining functionality with elaborate ornamental designs. The swords usually had narrow blades with central ribs to reinforce their structure, while the axes had curved or triangular shapes, often decorated with geometric motifs or zoomorphic figures. They were not only instruments of war, but also ritual objects and symbols of status. The quality of the bronze and the complexity of the designs suggest a high level of metallurgical development. These pieces have been found mainly in tombs, indicating their ceremonial value. Today, Luristan weapons are highly prized by archaeologists and collectors for their beauty and historical mystery.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateExtremely Fine Head Axe.
Luristan, 1800 - 600 BC
Bronze
10,5 cm long and 9 cm height.
CONDITION: Good condition, see photos.
PROVENANCE: Private collection, Montpellier, France, 1970 – 1980. Acquired from the french art market.
Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the area of modern South-Western Iran. 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. Most of Luristan weapons have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting that such weapons would have used not only in everyday life but also with ceremonial purposes.
The swords and axe blades of the Luristan culture, a mountainous region in present-day western Iran, represent a notable example of Iron Age bronze art (c. 1200–600 BC). These weapons were forged with great skill, combining functionality with elaborate ornamental designs. The swords usually had narrow blades with central ribs to reinforce their structure, while the axes had curved or triangular shapes, often decorated with geometric motifs or zoomorphic figures. They were not only instruments of war, but also ritual objects and symbols of status. The quality of the bronze and the complexity of the designs suggest a high level of metallurgical development. These pieces have been found mainly in tombs, indicating their ceremonial value. Today, Luristan weapons are highly prized by archaeologists and collectors for their beauty and historical mystery.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Luristan
Century/ Timeframe
1800 - 600 BC
Name of object
Head axe. 10,5 cm L. 1800 - 600 BC
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Disclaimer
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.
