Head of a Su-Yari (spear)
Culture
Japanese
Date1600s–early 1800s
Mediumsteel
Dimensions34.5 × 1.5 × 0.7 cm (13 9/16 × 9/16 × 1/4 in.)
Overall1: 6 oz (0.4 lb.)
Overall1: 6 oz (0.4 lb.)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.396
DescriptionCollar 5/8 inch, tang of rectangular cross-section, pierced by a peg-hole.Label TextToday we associate samurai with swords, but they were in fact well rounded martial artists who were expected to master a range of weapons for use on horseback and on foot. The yari was one of the most important of these: in battle, the spear was the weapon of choice, and the sword served only as a backup. Spearheads were made using similar techniques to swords, and often by the same smiths.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins from Mrs. Goldman, the buyer of the entire lot #155 at the Morosini Armor sale#3986, October 11, 1932 at the American Art Galleries (NYC). Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Paid $15 for lot of 20 Japanese arrowheads. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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