Three Iron Swords from Luristan

Abstract

None of the three swords to be discussed has a precise provenance. The first sword is the property of R. T. Clough Esq., and was kindly lent to us for examination; the second was bought through dealers and is now the property of the Institute of Archaeology, University of London; the third was kindly given to the Institute of Archaeology by G. Nazar Esq., to whom we would like here to record our sincere thanks.Our purpose will be to discuss the techniques by which these swords were made; to consider their relationships with one another, and to suggest a chronological framework which can be used for dating similar Iranian iron weapons.Although heavily corroded this sword is essentially complete insofar as the metallic part is concerned, measuring 52·5 cms. from pommel to point. The blade can best be described as having the outline of a willow-leaf, with its maximum width, 3 cms., rather more than a third of its length from the hilt. Down the centre of the blade on both faces is a wide flattened mid-rib, tapering at the point.