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Axe head
Near Eastern, Iranian, Luristan
Iron Age
10th–9th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Length: 18.3 cm (7 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Maria Antoinette Evans Fund
Accession Number30.564
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing – Axes, maces, clubs
DescriptionAxe-head, curved blade emerging from the mouth of a lion mask strapped to haft with three braided ropes, such as also outline the back of blade, mouth and eye of mask and form a dart-like decoration down center of blade. Copper bronze, with green patina.
ProvenanceBy 1930, acquired in Iran, probably by Ayoub Rabenou, Paris; 1930, sold by Rabenou, through Arthur Upham Pope (b. 1881 - d. 1969), Paris, to the MFA [see note]. (Accession Date: August 7, 1930)
NOTE: MFA accession nos. 30.544-30.637 were purchased from Arthur Upham Pope for $15,000, plus a $2250 commission. According to Pope, the majority of the group belonged to Rabenou.
NOTE: MFA accession nos. 30.544-30.637 were purchased from Arthur Upham Pope for $15,000, plus a $2250 commission. According to Pope, the majority of the group belonged to Rabenou.