Spearhead

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Although this bronze spearhead was acquired in Southwestern Japan, it does not match the form of examples excavated in Japan and is thus likely to have originally made elsewhere. The lobe on the socket, which is not pierced to be tied to a shaft, and the blunt edges of the head indicate that the object was probably intended for ritual or votive purposes.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Metropolitan Museum of Art