Blade for a dagger or halberd (war-axe)

Culture European

Dateperhaps 2000–1400 BCE

Mediumcast bronze

Dimensions29.2 × 7 cm (11 1/2 × 2 3/4 in.), 1 lb (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.478

DescriptionWide triangular blade with broad, flat midrib tapering toward tip. Short, broad tang with 2 rivet holes (possibly there may have been 3). Reverse of rivet holes shows circular indented area.
Label TextThis piece shows some of the limitations of early bronzeworking: it is relatively short, thick, and crude. The holes are for attaching the blade to a hilt: this relatively weak way of making a join derives from older styles used with stone blades.ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins from Sumner Healey, N.Y., April 30, 1929. Given to the Armory on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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