Artwork preview

Halberd Head with Nagas and Blades

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The metal object has a long handle with a T-shaped head. The head consists of two long, curved blades on either side and a shorter, central blade. The blades have pointed tips and are decorated with etchings. Two naga figures, which are mythical half-human, half-snake creatures, are present on the object. They are positioned on either side of the central part of the handle, near where it meets the T-shaped head. The object appears to be a weapon, specifically a halberd. It is on display in a museum setting.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. second half of the 13th century
Medium:
Copper Alloy
Culture:
Indonesia (Java)
Dimensions:
385 × 625 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette