Axe Head Surmounted by an Ibex

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Axe Head Surmounted by an Ibex

C. 1200 - 900 B.C., Lustrian, Iran
Bronze
L: 25.4cm

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Description

Ceremonial axe head from Luristan, western Iran. Ending in four spikes, curved on the underside and coming to a point. On the top is a three dimensional statuette of an ibex, the wild goat found throughout West Asia and so often represented in the regions’ ancient art.

Spiked axes such as this one are amongst the most commonly found Luristan arms. The blade is usually curved with the cutting edge at an oblique angle; in extreme examples even at a right angle to the handle of the axe. Here the cutting edge is clearly blunt, reinforcing its ceremonial function.
 

Exhibited

St. Petersburg, FL, Museum of Fine Arts, Art of Persia, 4th December 1966 – 29th January 1967.
 

Published

C. Benbrow, “The Art of the Persians at the Museum of Fine Arts,” St. Petersburg Times, 18th December 1966, Leisure and the Arts section, p. 3.
David Aaron Ltd, 2023, No. 10.

Provenance

With K. Rabenou Gallery, New York, acquired by 1966 (accompanied by an inventory list dated c. 1970-71 of remaining stock made after the closure of the gallery in 1970).
Yris Rabenou Solomon (1935-2021) Collection, New York, acquired 1970/71.
Thence by descent, New York.
ALR: S00227439.