Bronze short sword from Luristan, circa 1000 BC
Length 42 cm, weight 421 g
Blade with a tapered profile in the butt. shape, with slender arms, a crossguard with a strong rib, a collar handle with a crenellated grip, slightly expanding into a fan-shaped pommel,
Please note there is a visible crack in the central part of the head.
Origin . Item purchased at TIMELINE AUCTIONS from London. Family collections Comes from Ex Abelita. The buyer will receive a certificate and purchase invoice.
Literature. CF, a similar sword in Khorosani,
The Luristan region, which includes the rugged Zagros mountain range, is famous for bronze works that exceeded the skill level of contemporary groups. A wealthy group in Luristan society who patronized the metalworking industry and purchased fine items such as this sword were the nomadic horsemen. They went to the cities and bought swords and other bronze and iron items from the craftsmen there. Although these horsemen could not read, we know from the records of the Elamites and other southern neighbors that members of this tribe acted as mercenaries in the constant wars between the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Elamites. When they died, they were buried with their weapons in tombs covered with rocks