Bronze mace head - image 1

Geometric III

Bronze mace head

The finned form of mace head represented by this example is considerably rarer than the cylindrical, scepter type. It is not known whether these symbols of authority were used by local rulers or by individuals who administered the island's metal resources and industries. Overall: 6 3/4 x 3in. (17.1 x 7.6cm)

Date

799 - 700 BC

Accession No.

74.51.5594

Collection

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Provenance

References

  • Myres, John L. 1914. Handbook of the Cesnola Collection of Antiquities from Cyprus. no. 4768, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.Richter, Gisela M. A. 1915. Greek, Etruscan and Roman Bronzes. no. 1813, p. 458, New York: Gilliss Press.Karageorghis, Vassos, Joan Mertens, and Marice E. Rose. 2000. Ancient Art from Cyprus: The Cesnola Collection in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. no. 269, pp. 164-5, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.