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Axehead with zoomorphic forms
Near Eastern, Iranian, Scythian?
Bronze Age
2200–1800 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Max. length: 13.1 cm (5 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Morris and Louise Rosenthal Fund
Accession Number1985.22
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing – Axes, maces, clubs
DescriptionAxehead from Turkmenistan or Northeast Iran with an asymmetrical splaying blade bursting forth from a dragon's mouth. The socket terminates at the top in an eagle's head, and at the bottom in two overlapping winglike appendages. Elaborate ceremonial axeheads of this type, adorned with animals or animal elements, are identified with the Bronze Age culture of West-Central Asia.
Provenance1985, sold by Eshagh (Isaac) Sakhai, Brighton, MA, to the MFA.
(Accession Date: February 27, 1985)
(Accession Date: February 27, 1985)