cast using the lost wax method; a spike-butted axehead, the short, cylindrical shaft tube with three cords across each side, leading to four short, thick spikes down the rear spine of the socket. The flaring blade has a convex cutting edge, is ridged on both long sides, and is finely decorated with an incised floral and geometric decoration on both sides. Elaborate blades of this sort were used as parade weapons, as votives, and as attributes of cult statues. They may have been associated especially with the god Hadad. Reference: For a similar example, see Mahboubian, “Art of Ancient Iran” (1997), 176, fig 191 and Moorey PRS, “Catalogue of Ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum” (1971), 49-52, fig 16. Medium: Bronze Dimensions: Length: 8 1/8 inches (20.6 cm), Height: 2 1/8 inches (5.4 cm) Condition: The axehead is intact and in very good condition overall. Presented on original acrylic stand.Provenance: Raymond A. Davis (1931 - 2018), California, private collection, acquired from Dean & Cook, Mountain Ranch CA, in November 7, 1992. Accompanied by a copy of the original invoice.
