A Bronze Age axe head cast from bronze featuring a cylindrical shaft-hole. The blade, initially narrow at the shaft, extends outwards and broadens into a curved cutting edge. The top of the blade is flat and tapers to a point at the cutting edge from the socket. Patination and earthly encrustations to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as minor chipping and scratches. Bronze weapons represent the most common examples of this 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. Specifically, axeheads such as this fine example reflect the influence of Elamite and Mesopotamian metalwork . Mostly recovered in funerary contexts, early iron age weapons were likely to have been used not only in everyday life, but also held ceremonial purposes. Measurements: (circa) L 13.2cm x H 7cm Provenance: Ex London Collection, formed between 1990-present.