{"product_id":"near-eastern-bronze-socketed-axe-head","title":"Near Eastern Bronze Socketed Axe Head","description":"\u003cp\u003eLevant, Bronze Age ca. 2nd Millennium B.C.\u003cbr\u003eCast in bronze, this finely proportioned socketed axe head comes from the ancient Near East, likely the Levantine region, and dates to the Bronze Age, circa late 2nd millennium B.C. The compact, vertical socket is topped by a rounded mouth to receive the wooden haft, while one face projects into a broad, gently curved cutting edge. A raised longitudinal ridge runs across the top and down toward the blade, strengthening the head at the point of maximum impact and creating a clean, architectural profile that is both functional and visually striking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface shows a rich green and brown patina with light encrustation, the result of long burial, with only minor ancient casting flaws and small fissures visible near the lower socket area. Overall, the piece is in excellent, stable condition for its age, and it is presented on a simple black metal and wood base that highlights the form and allows it to be appreciated as an abstract sculptural object as well as an early weapon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize (axe head): approx. 2 1\/4 in H × 3 1\/2 in W × 1 1\/4 in D (5.7 × 8.9 × 3.2 cm), plus custom base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSocketed axes of this type would have served both as practical tools and weapons in the Late Bronze Age societies of the Levant and surrounding regions, reflecting the spread of bronze metallurgy and specialized weapon forms across the ancient Near East. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Art for Eternity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53578410754362,"sku":"17626","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0775\/5120\/6714\/files\/17626bl.jpg?v=1780957146","url":"https:\/\/howardnowes.com\/products\/near-eastern-bronze-socketed-axe-head","provider":"Art for Eternity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}