Bronze Age Bronze Ritual Axe with Animal Head (No Reserve Price)

Bronze Age Bronze Ritual Axe with Animal Head
Circa 2nd-1st millennium BC
This bronze axe head, likely of ceremonial use, features a flat, asymmetrical blade that flares outwards at the cutting edge. The blade connects to a round socket, which would have been used for mounting the axe on a handle. Extending downward from the socket, the design culminates in an intricately crafted animal head finial.
Ceremonial axe heads are artefacts characterised by their blunt cutting edges and highly ornamental designs. Unlike practical axes used for cutting and chopping, these ceremonial versions were likely symbolic, used in rituals or as status symbols. Their elaborate decoration, often featuring intricate patterns, animal motifs, or inlaid precious metals, suggests they were not intended for functional use but rather for display or ceremonial purposes. The presence of these axes in burial sites indicates their significance in funerary practices, possibly representing the power or prestige of the deceased.
Dimensions: 160mm x 70mm; weight 405g
Provenance: Private UK collection; From an old British collection formed in the 1990s.
Disclaimer:
NO SHIPPING OUTSIDE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION.
All items will be shipped from Belgium.
The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally.
The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer.
The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.