Predynastic Egyptian Indurated Limestone Mace Head, Naqada III, ca. 3500–3200 BCE

Description

The teardrop-shaped head pierced longitudinally for attachment to a wooden shaft, carved from a creamy indurated limestone.

Background:  The mace is a basic hand-held weapon, halfway between a club and a hammer. Symbols of military might, Egyptian iconography is rife with depictions of Egyptian leaders smiting enemies with a mace, and some of the earliest tangible documentation of Dynastic Egypt was provided by ceremonial mace-heads, such as that of King Scorpion and King Narmer of Dynasty 1.

Dimensions: Height: 2 1/2 inches (6.3 cm), Width: 1 7/8 inches (4.7 cm)

Condition: Surface pitting and cosmetic repairs to base otherwise in very good condition overall.

Provenance:   Private Virginia collection, acquired from the English trade in the early 2000s.