Spearhead

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Discovered in West Overton, Wiltshire, this spearhead is a well-preserved example of a type that was favored in Middle Bronze Age Britain. The leaf-shape of the blade and the small loops at each side of the socket are characteristic. The loops were presumably used to tie the head to the wood haft, though some of these heads may have been made for deposition purposes, and thus never seen active service in combat or the hunt.

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