BIMETALLIC SWORD GRIP

Description This solid bronze handle is quite flat, decorated on each side with two intersecting lines in the shape of an “X” on a grain background. The hilt is very long, equipped with symmetrical lateral spikes and raised edges: the first set of protuberances, pineal in shape, is located immediately under the handle, then the guard continues narrowing slightly to open again into two pointed wings at the bottom; two added pairs of knurled metal tips emerge laterally in the center of the hilt to improve its protective function. Internally, it is decorated with thin raised walls identical to those of the edges: a central line separates two rows of four rectangular alveoli filled with a lightly raised screen. The end of the hilt enclosed the heel of the iron blade, forming three points. Weapons technology that combines iron and bronze certainly has its origins in Central Plain China, where it has been attested since the end of the Western Zhou dynasty (8th - 7th century BCE).