Axe Head

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This steel head for a small axe or hatchet has a single asymmetrical blade at one end and a squared poll, or butt, at the opposite end. The top of the axe head forms a straight horizontal line from the upper corner, or toe, of the blade to the end of the poll. The bottom corner, or heel, of the cutting edge is set slightly back to form a steep point, or beard, at the base of the blade. The eye (opening for the missing haft) is slightly oval. The axe head is incised with the same decorative patterns along the length of both sides. These designs feature a triangle with a spade at each corner on the cheeks of the blade and a circle containing a whirling motif on the sides of the poll. Portions of the triangle-spade motif, the whirling motif, and other incised patterns are overlaid with copper alloy. The top of the poll and the area forward of the eye also have incised decoration, including a crescent overlaid in copper alloy at the rear of the eye. There may be traces of silver on other parts of the designs.

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