Luristan bronze come from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the Zagros Mountains. In ancient a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes and the Kassites, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and potable. This include many weapons, tools, ornament and finials along with miniature amulets and fittings. Cast bronze dirks, daggers and swords, especially those with the flanged hilts, are distinct example of Luristan bronze. Their flanged hilt, which directly derived from the western Persian prototype, are designed to receive the wood or bone inlays. Most of the Luristan bronze items have been recovered in funerary contexts, suggesting they had a ceremonial function.
To discover more about the Luristan Empire, please visit our relevant blog post: The Luristan Empire: Beauty of Bronze.
