Sword with Scabbard of Faustin I (1782–1867), Emperor of Haiti

Robert Mole

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This lavish ceremonial sword was made for Faustin-Élie Soulouque (1782–1867), who ruled Haiti as Emperor Faustin I from 1849 to 1859. It was presented to him by The Grand Masonic Lodge of Haiti in 1850. According to family tradition, Henry Delafield (1792–1875) later received it as a gift from Faustin. Delafield was a prominent businessman who served as Consul for Haiti in New York from 1851 to 1859. The sword remained in the Delafield family until it was bequeathed to the Museum in 2012.

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