Ancient Indian Gangetic Copper Hoard Harpoon Tip

Ancient Central Asia, India, Gangetic Basin, Copper Hoard Culture, ca. 1000 BCE. A heavy copper harpoon terminating in a tab-shaped tang with a single curved hook protruding from one side. The lengthy blade head has a shallow central rib, several protruding teeth in a down-facing direction, and a pointed tip.

Copper artifacts like this harpoon, axes, and adze heads, all with elegant proportions and nice craftsmanship, are all we know of this culture. Some scholars have suggested that the copper and sometimes bronze objects associated with it are evidence of a trade route and culture influence from the Ancient Near East, particularly Luristan. These harpoons were likely made for hunting, but a large number of them have also been excavated from temples, such as those found at the Temple of Somesvar Mahadeva in 1891. They may therefore have had a votive function as well as a utilitarian one.

Slight bending to overall form, with nicks to lower hook, some teeth, tip, and tang, with light encrustations. Light earthen deposits as well as fine brown and green patina throughout.