Ancient Iranian Plateau | Bronze Projectile Points on Display Stand | Late Bronze–Early Iron Age | Circa 1400 – 1000 BCE

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Western Asia, likely Iranian Plateau
Material: Cast bronze / copper alloy
Period: Late Bronze Age–Early Iron Age, circa 14th–10th Century BCE

Description

This mounted group comprises three ancient Western Asiatic bronze projectile points dating broadly from the Late Bronze Age through the Early Iron Age. The collection includes a broad leaf-shaped point, a long narrow lanceolate point, and a distinctive barbed or winged arrowhead, each retaining a surviving tang and now presented together on a modern black wooden display base.

The largest example is formed with a broad, elongated leaf-shaped blade tapering toward a rounded point. Its wide cutting surface and substantial proportions suggest that it may have functioned as a heavy arrowhead, light javelin point, or compact spearhead. The lower portion narrows into a flat tang that would originally have been inserted into a wooden shaft and secured with binding or adhesive.

The central example displays a slender lanceolate blade rising above a pronounced collar and an extended rectangular tang. Its narrow profile was designed to concentrate the force of impact into a small area, making it suitable for penetration. This form could have served as an arrowhead, dart point, or light spear component depending on the size and construction of its original shaft.

The smallest example is a broad triangular arrowhead with deeply recessed shoulders creating two projecting lateral wings or barbs. Its outline resembles a stylized bird in flight, a distinctive form documented among ancient Western Asiatic bronze arrowheads and particularly associated with types found across the Iranian Plateau. The projecting shoulders would have made the head more difficult to remove after impact.

Features

- Cast from bronze or copper alloy

- Includes broad leaf-shaped, lanceolate, and barbed forms

- Largest example with substantial cutting blade and flat tang

- Central example with narrow penetrating profile and pronounced collar

- Smallest example with distinctive bird-like or swallow-wing shoulders

- Surviving tangs originally intended for insertion into wooden shafts

- Green, blue-green, brown, and pale mineral patination throughout

- Representative selection from a larger assemblage of sixteen arrowheads

- Mounted together on a modern black wooden display base

Cultural Significance

Bronze projectile points were essential weapons throughout ancient Western Asia, serving in warfare, hunting, and personal defence. Their varied forms reflect different functional requirements, including penetration, cutting capacity, flight stability, and resistance to removal after impact.

Broad leaf-shaped points offered a larger cutting surface and were effective against unarmoured targets or game animals. Long narrow lanceolate forms concentrated impact into a smaller area and were better suited to penetration. Barbed or winged arrowheads were designed to remain lodged within the target, increasing the severity of the wound and making removal more difficult.

The distinctive winged form represented by the smallest example is characteristic of certain ancient Iranian and Western Asiatic projectile types. Its silhouette resembles a stylized swallow or bird in flight, combining practical function with a visually distinctive form. Examples of this type are frequently associated with the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age military traditions of the Iranian Plateau.

Bronze weaponry remained important during the transition from the Bronze Age into the Iron Age. Although iron gradually became more common, bronze continued to be used for arrowheads, spear points, daggers, and other military equipment because of its casting properties, durability, and established manufacturing traditions.

Condition

The three projectile points remain in good archaeological condition and display extensive age-related surface alteration. Each exhibits mineral encrustation, pitting, surface deposits, discoloration, casting irregularities, edge wear, and localized losses consistent with ancient burial and long-term preservation.

The broad leaf-shaped example retains its overall form but displays extensive green patination, pale earthen deposits, edge irregularity, and areas of surface loss. The central lanceolate point remains substantially complete, with mineralization, oxidation, and wear visible along its blade, collar, and tang. The barbed example retains its distinctive winged profile but displays wear, localized chipping, irregularities to the projecting shoulders, and heavy patination.

The objects have been permanently secured to a modern black wooden display base with visible mounting material. The base exhibits minor scratches, handling wear, and surface irregularities.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Overall Display Height: 4.5 in

Age (Approximate)

3,025–3,425 years old

Provenance

Formerly part of a private London, United Kingdom collection assembled during the 1990s.

Learn More

View a related ancient bronze arrowhead in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Explore our curated Collection of Arms, Armour & Historical Weaponry