Luristan Bronze Spearhead with Rat-Tail Tang

Object Description

A fine Luristan bronze spearhead, featuring a leaf-shaped blade that curves upwards to a point. The blade displays rounded shoulders and a raised, wide, central midrib. The midrib leads downwards towards a short, flattened stem, which flares out slightly before narrowing into a tapering, square-sectioned tang. The tang is turned upwards, creating a ‘rat-tail’ effect. This tang would have been inserted into a wooden shaft, with the ‘rat-tail’ design reducing further splitting upon use.

Date: Circa 1200-600 BC

Object History

Ex London collection of weapons, 1990s-2010s.

Object Condition

Fine condition. A beautiful dark patina to the surface. This piece has been professionally cleaned. Signs of wear as consistent with its age, such as chips to the edges of the blade, as well as minor surface scratches and pitting.

Object Details