Figural Luristan Mace Head with Three Bull Heads

Culture: Iran/Luristan

Period: 7th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 10.3 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6652

Provenance: From the Swiss private collection of Baron O. C. V. L. (1937-2022).

Condition: Unrestored. Four horns, likely lost through ancient use, are now missing.

Description: A solid bronze mace head that terminates at the top in three bull heads. The animals have long, rounded muzzles and perforated eyes, which once held inlays. The horns are likewise rounded, though all but two are now missing, most likely as a result of ancient use. Small round knobs are located on the bulls’ foreheads and between their heads. A cylindrical bronze tube with two ribs extends from the bodies, containing an iron shaft, of which a tapered remnant has been preserved. The old collection number 36 is painted in white at the junction with the iron pin.