Ancient Near East - Mesopotamia, ca. 1st millennium BC. A carved hardstone ball-type mace head, having central shafting holes. Scattered areas of surface deposits. Intact, and in excellent condition. Round hardstone mace heads were a type of blunt weapon used in ancient Mesopotamia for both battle and ceremonial purposes. The heads were crafted from a variety of hard stones, such as basalt, jasper, and alabaster, and were typically round in shape. It was believed that the mace head’s round shape was able to concentrate the force of impact, making it more effective than a blunted blade.Size: L:45mm / W:65mm ; 245gProvenance: NYC private collection. Acquired from Joseph G. Gerena Fine Art, 10/13/1992. Published: Arte Primitivo, 17 Sept. 1996, no.150.