Ancient Sassanian Whetstone Handle with Ram Head
Ancient Sassanian Whetstone Handle with Ram Head
Item Number: 1102
$4,900.00
Period: | 10th - 8th c. BCE |
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Dimensions: | 6 3/4" |
Material: | Silver and whetstone |
Condition: | Excellent |
Region: | Western Persia (today's Iran) |
Provenance: | Bought by present owner in Teheran, Iran, in 1964 |
Description
Very rare Rhyton type, Hammedan, Old Sassanian. Since bronze requires continual sharpening to maintain a useful sharp edge, whetstones were a common tool in Luristan, used to hone the blades of daggers, swords, and spears. Whetstone handles were often cast into representations of animals. This silver ram was a dramatic choice with its curled horns. In almost all cases, a loop was created to suspend the whetstone. More often the animal was made of bronze which makes this piece so much more unusual. Mounted on custom Lucite stand.