C. 2000-700 BC. Luristan Culture. A Luristan cast bronze axe-head comprising a curved blade and, a ridged cheek and five elongated five spikes at the poll (back). Bronze weaponry production flourished from the 2nd millennium BC to about 700BC when it was gradually replaced by iron. Swords, axes, maces, spears and arrows were exchanged via trade and war and are discovered in both civic and ritual context. An axe-head such as this one would have been an important symbol of rank, and have served a purpose in warfare, but also in religious contexts as axe-heads were common votive offerings in shrines across Western Asia. Superb condition, on a custom-made stand. Size: L:70mm / W:174mm ; 555g Provenance: Private London collection, formed in the 1970s on the UK and European art market.