Lot 105B
Ancient Near East, Levant, Eary Bronze Age, ca. early 3rd millennium BCE. A commanding relic of ancient ritual, this large and hefty silver axe head pendant glows with the layered mystery of early metallurgy. Gilt across much of its surface, the form sweeps into a crescentic blade with a sharply hooked arc, balanced by a broad, flaring socket that terminates in a flattened, concave neck. Though cast in the unmistakable silhouette of a utilitarian axe, its size, weight, and precious metal composition mark it as a ceremonial object - not for battle, but for the gods. The upper neck is pierced with a suspension hole, now rimmed with iron-rich oxidation, suggesting the piece once hung prominently from a cord or chain - perhaps adorning a high priest, or forming part of a larger ritual assemblage. In the Early Bronze Age Levant, such votive weapons were often laid in tombs or temples, symbolic tools for divine favor, martial strength, or cosmic order. Size: 2.6" L x 2.5" W (6.6 cm x 6.4 cm); silver quality: 92.7%; weight: 84.8 grams
Unlike more common miniature axe amulets, this example asserts its presence with a sense of weight and gravitas. Its bold form, gleaming gold sheen, and rippling surface texture evoke the craftsmanship of early smiths working in a time when silver and gold were newly sacred. Related forms have surfaced at Byblos, Tell el-Ajjul, and other Early Bronze Age ritual centers, where they appear to function both as offerings and as emblems of power. Rich with historical resonance and material rarity, this piece stands at the crossroads of art, metallurgy, and ritual - a gleaming echo of the Bronze Age imagination.
Cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1980.265.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195591
- Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration over break lines, though some slightly visible in a few areas. Weathering to surface commensurate with age as shown. Encrustations to socketing hold inhibiting suspension or wear. Otherwise, nice presentation with liberal remains of gilding and rich patina.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |