AN EARLY IRON AGE SOLID CAST SILVER MINIATURE DAGGER

A precious diminutive version of a bronze short sword, probably intended for ceremonial wear as an indication of status, and/or as tomb furniture. Strongly influenced by weapons from northwestern China.

Eurasian Steppes, Scythian, 6th–4th Century BC

Height: 10.6 cm.     (4 3/16 in.)

Width: 2.4 cm.     (0 15/16 in.)

Ex: American private collection of R.B., European market, 1992.

#5727

Published: 

Antiquarium, Ltd.; Ancient Treasures XIX. (London, 2020) p.13

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Comparandum:

Yang Jianhua, Shao Huiqiu, Pan Ling zhu; The metal road of the eastern Eurasian steppe : the growing of Xiongnu confederation and the silk road  (Shanghai, 2017)