Axe
DateFirst Intermediate Period, about 2118-1980 BCE
Mediumbronze, wood, leather
Dimensions55 × 7.5 cm (21 5/8 × 2 15/16 in.), 1 lb, 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.344
Description55 × 7.5 × 3.2 cm (21 5/8 × 2 15/16 × 1 1/4 in.)Label TextAncient Egypt was relatively slow to adopt bronze. The pyramids were built mostly with stone-based technology. This axe was made a few hundred years after the pyramids, at the early stages of bronzeworking in Egypt. Notice how the blade is tied to the shaft—the same way you attach a stone axe. As metalworking developed, the Egyptians learned to make the blade with a socket instead.ProvenancePurchased by Museum on March 9, 1950 from Parke-Bernet Galleries (NYC), sale no. 1136, lot#117, p. 19. Price of $25 included two items. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
1700s
about 300 BCE
