Bronze Age | Arrowhead Display with Winged, Lanceolate, and Shouldered Forms | 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 collection comprises three ancient Western Asiatic bronze projectile points dating broadly from the Late Bronze Age through the Early Iron Age. The group includes an elongated tanged blade with pronounced shoulders, a long narrow lanceolate point, and a compact barbed arrowhead, demonstrating the variety of projectile forms employed across the ancient Iranian Plateau and neighbouring regions.

The largest example displays a long, narrow blade that widens gradually toward the lower body before forming distinctly projecting shoulders above a broad tang. Its substantial proportions suggest that it may have functioned as a heavy arrowhead, light javelin point, or compact spearhead. The blade retains a clearly defined pointed terminal and a strong symmetrical profile, while the surface exhibits extensive green and pale mineral patination associated with the natural ageing of ancient copper alloys.

The central example is formed with an exceptionally long and slender lanceolate blade, tapering evenly toward a narrow point. Its streamlined profile would have concentrated the force of impact into a relatively small area, making it suitable for penetration. The blade narrows toward its base and terminates in a surviving tang that would originally have been inserted into a prepared wooden shaft.

The smallest example has a compact triangular head with pronounced barbed or projecting shoulders and a short central tang. Its silhouette has been compared to a stylized bird in flight, particularly a swallow with outstretched wings. Arrowheads of this general configuration correspond to forms discussed within the Khorasani classification of ancient Iranian arms, including examples with strongly projecting or jet-like wings.

Metal arrowheads were widespread in Bronze Age eastern Iran, while bronze remained an important material for projectile weapons into the early Iron Age.

Features

- Cast from bronze or copper alloy

- Includes shouldered, lanceolate, and barbed forms

- Largest example with elongated blade and pronounced lateral shoulders

- Central example with long, narrow lanceolate profile

- Smallest example with projecting swallow-like wings or barbs

- Surviving tangs originally intended for insertion into wooden shafts

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

- Mounted together on a modern black wooden display base

Cultural Significance

Bronze arrowheads and related projectile points were important components of warfare and hunting throughout ancient Western Asia. Different shapes were developed according to the intended use of the projectile, the method by which it was attached to its shaft, and the type of target it was intended to strike.

Long lanceolate points provided a narrow penetrating profile, while broader examples offered a larger cutting surface. Barbed or winged forms were designed to resist easy removal after impact and could inflict more extensive injury. The Metropolitan Museum of Art notes this functional purpose in its description of a later Iranian barbed bronze arrowhead, explaining that the barb helped prevent removal from the target.

The small winged example belongs to a distinctive family of Western Asiatic points whose projecting shoulders resemble the wings of a bird in flight. Comparable forms are illustrated in Arms and Armour from Iran: The Bronze Age to the End of the Qajar Period. Khorasani’s study draws upon objects from Iranian museums, excavated material, and documented private collections to trace the development of Iranian arms over several millennia.

Ancient Iranian burial sites have produced bronze arrowheads together with swords, daggers, spearheads, shields, helmets, and other military equipment, demonstrating the importance of projectile weapons within both martial and funerary contexts.

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 two broader examples retain extensive green and blue-green patination with pale earthen deposits. The central lanceolate point has a predominantly brown and grey surface with areas of oxidation and mineral accretion. The smallest barbed example displays localized edge loss and irregularity to its projecting shoulders, while retaining its recognizable overall profile.

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: 5.25 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