Luristan Bronze Socketed Spearhead

Ancient Near East, Luristan (Lorestan), c. 1200–800 BC, Northwestern Iran

A finely cast and forged bronze socketed spearhead of classic Luristan type. The blade is characterised by slim, tapering shoulders and a pronounced central midrib, providing both strength and penetrating power. The sharpened edges narrow elegantly toward the point before transitioning into a long, folded conical socket with a straight profile and an open seam at the rear.

The socket, hammered open during manufacture, was designed to receive a wooden shaft, forming a durable and effective weapon. Spearheads of this type were widely used across the ancient Near East and would have been carried by chariot warriors, horse-mounted cavalry, and ground infantry alike.

In battle, such weapons served multiple tactical purposes. When armies advanced toward one another, javelins fitted with these projectile heads were hurled at opposing forces to disrupt formations. As distances closed, the same weapons could be employed in thrusting and lunging attacks during close-quarters combat.

This spearhead exemplifies the functional elegance and metallurgical skill of Luristan bronze weaponry, reflecting the martial culture and technological sophistication of the region during the early Iron Age.

Good condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chipping to the blade. Encrusted earthen deposits. Size approx. 14,9cm x 2,5cm x 0,7cm

Provenance: British private collection

References and further reading:

Bronze and Iron: Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oscar White Muscarella, New York 1988, pp. 289-92

Bronzes of Luristan, Oscar White Muscarella, Encyclopedia Iranica, 1989 (https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/bronzes-of-luristan)

Luristan Bronze, Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 May. 2018 (https://www.britannica.com/art/Luristan-Bronze)