Sheath for a Dagger
Date800–700 BCE
Mediumbronze
Dimensions29.8 cm (11 3/4 in.), 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.476
DescriptionSheath made by folding thin sheet of bronze to shape of blade; open seam on reverse. Piece of wood is shaped to fit inside at bottom, to protect dagger tip. To the bottom is affixed cast balustered ornament. Obverse of sheath decorated with engraved, longitudinal chevronic lines for distance of 0.10 m. from the top of finial. Reverse has single engraved line on either side of center seam.Label TextThis bronze sheath and dagger come from the Villanovan culture in ancient Italy, where they were most likely deposited in a grave. The objects with which people are buried say a lot about how they want to be remembered. Burials with military objects may not have belonged to warriors -- rather, people claiming to have the rank and glory of elite warriors. Graves were a place for wealthy Villanovans to permanently demonstrate their wealth and status through objects.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins from Sumner Healey, N.Y. 30 April 1929. Given to the Armory on 15 December 1931.Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 2204
1700s
