Oliphant (Hunting Horn)

Oliphant (Hunting Horn)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Hunting horns of this type, carved from elephant ivory (hence the name oliphant), were made by Muslim craftsmen in southern Italy and Sicily for export throughout Europe.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.