C16

Cypriot large Bronze Age spear

Ł450

A very good quality large cast bronze spear head with a tapered point, leaf shaped blades and a sharp central ridge.

The quality of the casting of this weapon is testimony to the advanced skills of the Mediterranean bronze-working industry at the dawn of the 2nd Millennium BC. Although the shape was influenced by imports from the East, the design has taken on its own identity which can be clearly recognised as Cypriot and Aegean.

Due to the large dimensions of these blades some experts have catalogued them as swords, but it is now generally accepted that they served as spears. Their primary function would have been for warfare and hunting but they probably also served as emblems of rank or manhood.

One of the very finest examples we have seen, unfortunately the photographs are not very complimentary.

Cyprus, end of Early Bronze Age, c. 2000 BC.

A few minor chips to the edge of the blade as seen in the photographs.

Size: 43.5 x 5.1 cms

Provenance: Ex. private collection, Wiltshire, UK. Acquired in Cyprus c. 1940's.

Mounted on an old wood board so that it can be displayed on a wall.

For similar items please compare the Cesnola Collection at the Metropolitan Museum, New York, which contains at least two almost identical blades.

www.heliosgallery.com

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