13th-7th century B.C. An unusual bronze axehead with a narrow shaft leading to a bill-shaped blade, the shaft decorated with a series of incised lines enclosing a triangular pattern and volutes connected by horizontal waved lines. Cf. Gorelik, M., Weapons of Ancient East, IV millennium BC-IV century BC, Saint Petersburg, 2003 (in Russian), pl.XXI, no.84. 88 grams, 81 mm wide (3 1/4 in.). Private family collection formed in London, mid 1980s to early 1990s. A similar axe has been found in Northern Afghanistan. In this region, artefacts from the 2nd millennium B.C. include axes, sickles, mirrors and pins and heads of various animals. The occurrence of fortresses and arms indicates an uneasy epoch of hostilities and conflicts. This factor accelerated an institutionalisation of power and development of military prowess.