12th-11th century B.C. A spike-butted bronze axehead with a short cylindrical socket with four furrowed ribs leading to four short spikes, blade with curved upper and lower edges and convex cutting edge. Cf. Moorey, P.R.S., Catalogue of the ancient Persian Bronzes in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1971, pl.2, nos.14-16, items 51-52; cf. also Musee' Cernuschi, Bronzes de Luristan, enigmes de l'Iran Ancien, IIIe-Ier millenaire av. J.C., Paris, 2008, p.44, fig.1,3; p.97, no.45, for similar types. 316 grams, 19 cm (7 1/2 in.). Acquired before 1983. Ex London gallery, 1990s. It is difficult to know whether this type of axe, given its high decoration in some specimens, was used as a real weapon or was just a symbol of rank and prestige, employed for ceremonial or cult purposes. Considering however, that the concept of parade weapons did not exist in the surrounding areas, these axes were most probably used for both military and ceremonial purposes.