Sword (<i>Rudus</i>) and Scabbard

Sword (<i>Rudus</i>) and Scabbard

Muhammad Salih of Terumon

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sword is exceptional for the gold decoration inlaid on its blade, which includes a date and an inscription identifying the artist as "Muhammad Salih of the state of Terumon… in the village of Payung." While the place names appear to refer to Peninsular Malaysia, the form of the hilt, blade, and scabbard are distinctive to a region of northern Sumatra inhabited by the Aceh and Pakpak peoples. These elements suggest that the sword was made in Sumatra and then decorated in neighboring Malaysia.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sword (<i>Rudus</i>) and ScabbardSword (<i>Rudus</i>) and ScabbardSword (<i>Rudus</i>) and ScabbardSword (<i>Rudus</i>) and ScabbardSword (<i>Rudus</i>) and Scabbard

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.