Battle Axe, D24.2291

Semi-circular iron blade, ends narrow, curving towards centre. Decorated high relief; semi-symmetrical birds, flowers on one side; two birds; three human figures, two women (?) flanking third figure, legs crossed, standing playing (?) flute, heads of the three ringed: flowers, leaves, all on other side. Iron shoulder and counter-weight: extends same distance as blade: one piece forged (?). Shoulder high relief, flowers on one side, stylised symmetrical many-pointed leaf (?) on other. Counter-weight shaped fleur-de-lis: high relief, human figure on one side, fleur-de-lis top and bottom; bird in tree on other side, fleur-de-lis top and bottom. Lacquered (?) brown wooden handle tapering, to doweled top inserted into blade shoulder. Grip carved for hand (five raised rings), fluted. Pommel squat sphere.

Locality: India