A fine Bronze Age bronze axe head featuring a cylindrical shaft-hole from which the rectangular blade extends gently towards the sharpened convex edge. The bronze widens to a long, rounded back, the centre of which has been hollowed to form a cylindrical shaft-hole where a wooden pole would have been. The cylindrical socket is decorated with three horizontal ribs. There are typical signs of ageing such as chipping, tarnishing and earthy encrustations across the surface. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes and the Kassites settled in the Western Asiatic region. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of these 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 these bronze items have been recovered in funerary contexts. Measurements: L 12cm x W 5.5cm Provenance: Ex. London Collection, formed between 1990 - present.