Head of a Ceremonial War Hammer

Head of a Ceremonial War Hammer

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Although complete with a hammer and beak on the sides and a short spike on the top like many steel war hammers, this cast bronze example was designed to be used in a civic or religious ceremony as a symbol of authority, not as a weapon.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Head of a Ceremonial War HammerHead of a Ceremonial War HammerHead of a Ceremonial War HammerHead of a Ceremonial War HammerHead of a Ceremonial War Hammer

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.