Spearhead
Culture
European
Dateprobably late Bronze Age, about 1200–800 BCE
Mediumcast bronze
Dimensions13.7 × 3.1 × 2.2 cm (5 3/8 × 1 1/4 × 7/8 in.), 2.8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.663
DescriptionSmall, probably for a throwing spear. Leaf-shaped, short blade with wide medial ridge tapering to point. Decoration: 4 rings of moldings around socket; around base, double ring with outer ring decorated with tiny cross-cuts. Round socket with two small holes on either side below blade. Surface apparently cleaned at some point after excavation. Very similar to 2014.662, though slightly larger.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
700s BCE
about 1200–900 BCE
