A Luristan bronze shaft-hole axe head featuring a plain cylindrical shaft with flanged top. A relatively narrow blade extends from the shaft and broadens out into a slightly slanted cutting edge. The weapon is covered by a green patination and some earthy encrustations. Bronze weapons represent the most common examples of Luristan metalwork and some of the finest weaponry then available. Among these, shaft-hole axes, adzes, pick-axes have been reported in great number and variety of forms, and have been vital to understanding the chronology and development of bronze metallurgy in the Lorestan region. Specifically, axe-heads such as this fine example reflect the influence of Elamite and Mesopotamian metalwork in the area. Mostly recovered in funerary contexts, Luristan weapons were likely to have been used not only in everyday life, but also hold ceremonial purposes. Measurements: Circa L 8.7cm x H 5.2cm Provenance: Ex London Collection, formed between 1990-present.