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HOME :
Near Eastern Art :
Elamite Art : Elamite Bronze Handle
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Elamite Bronze Handle - FZ.371
Origin: Central Asia
Circa: 900
BC
to 800
BC
Dimensions:
6.625" (16.8cm) high
x 1.25" (3.2cm) wide
Collection: Near Eastern
Medium: Bronze
$9,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Elam was an ancient kingdom of Asia, situated
north of the Persian Gulf and east of the Tigris
River, and corresponding approximately to the
present-day province of Khuzistan in Iran. The
capital of Elam and its most fabled city was Sûsa,
today the city of Shûsh. This powerful empire has
been overshadowed in history by the rival
kingdoms of Babylon and Assyria. However, their
extraordinary metalwork survives to this day, a
testament to the expertise of their craftsman.
What was the purpose of this handle? Was it
once attached to a sword? Perhaps it held a
ritual staff. Clearly, this is an important bronze
work that served a use greater than itself. Most
likely it was involved in ritual ceremonies. If it
was a sword handle, perhaps it was used for
sacrificial offerings. While we will never know
the real meaning behind this spectacular piece,
we are more than able to revel in its beauty. The
bronze has taken on a rich greenish patina over
the ages. The lower half of the handle has been
segmented into four sections, each divided by
elevated ridges incised with a “v” shaped motif.
Four winding snakes slither their way across
these segments, contributing to the handles
symbolic significance. The three holes at the top
would have help secure in place the object it was
once attached to. Long ago, this handle was
used to hold something else; today, its beauty
alone is sufficient. We can appreciate the handle
not for its function, but for its stellar
craftsmanship.
- (FZ.371)
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