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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.115
Title
Shaft-Hole Axe Head
Classification
Weapons and Ammunition
Work Type
axe
Date
2nd millenium BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia
Period
Bronze Age
Culture
Near Eastern
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304553

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Leaded bronze
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
11.6 x 4.7 x 2.6 cm (4 9/16 x 1 7/8 x 1 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Leaded Bronze:
Cu, 85.19; Sn, 10.37; Pb, 3.48; Zn, less than 0.001; Fe, 0.28; Ni, 0.1; Ag, 0.11; Sb, 0.07; As, 0.4; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.01; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is a distinctly defined black and green, with green over the black at the edge of blade. There are also some brown burial deposits. The object is structurally intact, although stress cracks are present at the edges of the shaft hole. The surface has been altered by tool marks that expose bare metal, and the green patina may be the result of a modern chemical treatment or perhaps special circumstances in burial. The axe head was cast. Most of the tool marks on the surface appear to be modern.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.115
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
Half of this axe head is cylindrical, tapering toward the shaft hole; the butt is flat. Indented lines extend from the butt to the center of the shaft hole. The other end is wedge-shaped, tapering toward the blade, which is notched (1). A raised ring surrounds the shaft hole on each side.

NOTES:

1. For an axe head with the same general shape, see M. J. Deshayes, “Haches-herminettes iraniennes,” Syria 40.3-4 (1963): 273-76, esp. 274-75, fig. 2.

Lisa M. Anderson

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu