Lot 677
A Handsome Gangetic Valley Harpoon of Medium Size. Ancient India, Uttar Pradesh, c. 1500-1200 BC. Harpoon of copper, with reinforced triangular blade of medium width on thick cylindrical shaft -- this tapering towards a narrower flattened base. The ends of the heavy blade terminate in longish barbs, with additional backwards-facing barbs symmetrically arranged along the shaft. Piercing at rear most barb for attaching head to handle. A very well preserved example of these scarce tools or weapons, with very fine two-tone green patina. Length: 12-7/8".
Estimated Value $400-UP.
Ex Gangetic "Hoard," sold Sotheby's NY, 9-20/21-85, lot 334. Small hoards of copper objects of this type have been found for the most part in Uttar Pradesh, with additional finds from sites in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, plus finds to the west in Pakistan, e.g. Shalozan, along with findspots further south in Bhagrapir, in Orissa, and at Kallur. This and the following two lots are from the Sotheby group cited. According to Agrawal, harpoons of this type "could have been used for killing fish or big game, as shown in a rock-shelter in Mirzapur"; for type and discussion, cf. pp. 204-207.
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