Ancient Sassanian Whetstone Handle with Ram Head

Ancient Sassanian Whetstone Handle with Ram Head

Period: 10th - 8th c. BCE
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.

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