Dong Son culture (Cambodia, Vietnam) bronze axe

Description

Magnificent bronze axe blade with very rare remains of wood from the handle. Precise geometry, expert craftsmanship. Dates from the Dong Son period.

The Dong Son culture was a Bronze Age culture centered in ancient Vietnam (Red River Valley) and Cambodia from approximately 1000 BC to 1st century AD, with significant influence extending throughout Southeast Asia, including Maritime Southeast Asia like Indonesia.
Dongson Bronze axes, often ceremonial in nature, are characteristic artifacts of the Dong Son culture, and examples have been found extensively in Java and other parts of Indonesia. These axes, reflect the advanced bronze working techniques and cultural practices of the period.