A fine Luristan bronze spear head. This is a leaf-shaped spear with a flared, angular shoulders and a narrow tang. The metal is covered with an attractive patination. There are small chips to the edge of the blade. Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the area of modern South-Western Iran. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Cast spike-butted axes are hallmarks of Luristan bronze weaponry during the First Iron Age Period, between 1200 and 1000 BC. Most of Luristan bronze items have been recovered in funerary contexts. Measurements: Circa L 21.7cm x W 3.1cm Provenance: Ex London Collection, formed between 1990-present.