Spearhead
Culture
European
Dateprobably late Bronze Age, about 1200–800 BCE
Mediumbronze
Dimensions11.8 × 2.3 × 1.9 cm (4 5/8 × 7/8 × 3/4 in.), 1.77 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.662
DescriptionSmall, likely for a throwing spear. Leaf-shaped, short blade with wide medial ridge tapering to point. Conical socket with 2 opposing holes below. Incised decoration at base of socket, 6 tiny grooves; lowest ridge decorated with cross-cuts. Surface apparently subjected to relatively modern cleaning. Very similar to 2014.663, though slightly smaller.Label TextSpears were the primary weapon of the Greek hoplites, foot-soldiers who fought in a tightly arranged formation called a phalanx. Equipped with large round shields and long spears, hoplites proved to be extremely effective warriors. The hoplite’s equipment was also relatively cheap, allowing for lower classes to join their local armies. The rise of these citizen-soldiers helped lay the foundation for early democracy.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.
On View
Not on view
Southern German
about 1550
700s BCE
