Elam was an ancient kingdom of Asia, situated north of the Persian Gulf and east of the Tigris River, and corresponding approximately to the present-day province of Khuzistan in Iran. The Elamite area is East of the Sumerians and Babylonians. The capital of Elam and its most fabled city was Sûsa, today the city of Shûsh. This powerful empire has been overshadowed in history by the rival kingdoms of Babylon and Assyria. However, their extraordinary metalwork survives to this day, a testament to the expertise of their craftsman. The Elamites from way before as the craftsmen of gold, silver and bronze objects already around 3000 BCE.

This Elamite bronze dirk with gold pommel would have been the prized possession of the royal family or high dignitaries. The cost to fashion it would preclude ownership by the average inhabitant. Surely such a lavish, luxurious item was reserved strictly for the possession of the ruling elite and their immediate family. While the kings of Elam once ruled over a vast empire, no doubt amassing countless priceless treasures, today their memory is preserved through the remnants of their wealth. This dirk is not just a gorgeous work of art, but also the only lasting tribute to a vanished empire.