A fine Luristan cast bronze dagger featuring a flanged hilt and a leaf-shaped blade that tapers to a point. The blade is very slightly domed. The handle, currently empty, originally would have contained an inlay of bone, limestone, metal or wood. There are some small chips to the edges of the blade and a deep blue-green patina over the piece. Luristan bronze comes from the Lorestan Province, renowned in antiquity for its sophisticated metal working techniques. Weaponry and saddlery (such as harnesses or cheek guards) featured elaborate engravings, of which animals and mythical creatures were particularly common motifs. In ancient times a number of nomadic population, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, settled in the area. Measurements: Length~29.5cm, Width~2.8cm Provenance: Ex. London Collection, formed between 1990 - present.