Dagger
Dateabout 800-700 BCE
Mediumbronze
Dimensions34.4 × 4.2 cm (13 9/16 × 1 5/8 in.), 9 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.475
DescriptionBronze tapered blade, low midrib. Tip of point lacking. Rounded shoulders & I-shaped grip; faces of hilt sunken for plaques. Rivet projects on 1 side in center of handle. 2 holes in blade just below shoulder, a third smaller hole in 1 side only. Blade decorated on both faces with fine engraved parallel lines that meet near the point & curve outward near hilt.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 JWH from Sumner Healey, NYC.Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
On viewCurrent Location
- Exhibition Location Gallery 2204
about 1600–1650
