Flintlock Rifle

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This rifle was probably made in the Dagestani village of Kubachi, the principal armsmaking center in the Caucasus. The Arabic inscription on the barrel, "Owned by Abā Muslim Khān Shamkhāl," and the very high quality of the workmanship suggest that it belonged to a member of the family of the ruling prince (shāmkhāl).

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