Spearhead (Mdung Rtse)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This spearhead was probably made for use by an oracle, or in another ceremony or ritual involving the propitiation of a deity, as indicated by its form and decoration, and particularly by the prominently placed word kyai, written in a Tibetan script. This symbol, known as a seed syllable, was sometimes used to invoke a deity in ritual contexts.

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