Early Iron Age Luristan Tanged Arrowhead. Ancient Bronze Weapon, c. 1000–650 BC, Iran

This finely cast bronze arrowhead represents the artistry and martial culture of man during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. Measuring 7 cm in total length, its slender, leaf-shaped blade tapers to a small tang — a design intended for precision and penetration.

The arrowhead’s delicate lobed shoulders and subtle mid-rib are characteristic of Luristan bronzes, a distinctive corpus of weaponry and tools renowned for their intricate craftsmanship. The rich, naturally aged patina attests to its millennia-long journey from tomb or hoard to modern collection. It also shows fine, irregular tool marks along the blade edges and tang, likely resulting from hand finishing after casting. Such marks were common in Luristan bronze work, reflecting the traditional methods used to refine edges and shape the tang.

Many Luristan artefacts, including arrowheads similar to this one, entered modern collections through antique tomb and burial discoveries, hoard finds, or early unlicensed excavations. Systematic archaeological excavation in the Luristan region was limited until the 20th century, so a significant portion of these arterial were removed from their original contexts long before modern heritage protections were established.

Specimen Details:

Dimensions: 7 cm total length, including tang

Material: Bronze

Age / Era: Late Bronze Age/ Early Iron Age, c. 1000–650 BCE

Origin: Iran, likely Western Iran (Luristan)

Condition: Very good; retains original form and gorgeous natural patina, Exceptional preservation for age

Function / Typology: Tanged arrowhead designed to be shot from a bow, with a leaf-shaped blade and small tang for secure attachment to a wooden shaft. Used for hunting and combat, its form and mid-rib detail reflect the practical skill of Early Iron Age Luristan artisans.

Comparable examples:

Many parallels appear in major museum collections; for instance, a near exact parallel arrowhead can be seen in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, underscoring both the typological consistency and cultural significance of these weapons.

  Click here for direct link: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 
 or please follow link attached: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/325371

 A second near identical example here: Met Museum Reference

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/325225