Villanovan Bronze Spear Blade

An ancient Villanovan socketed bronze spear blade with a faceted tapering shaft pierced on either side.

Northern Italy.

Ca. 8th - 7th century BC.

Height: 7 1/2 in. (19.4 cm).

Bronze spearheads of similar shape have been found in Villanovan tombs, where they may have had a symbolic function. The deposition of arms and armor in graves may have symbolized the high social status of the deceased, usually a male, perhaps as a member of the warrior elite.

cf.: H. Hencken, Tarquinia, Villanovans and Early Etruscans, Peabody Museum, (Cambridge, 1968), figs. 162, 176, 180.

Formerly in a Canadian private collection.

Inv#: 7726

Guaranteed Authentic

$2,750