Artwork preview

Halberd Head with Naga and Blade

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image shows a black metal object with a long, narrow blade at the top. The blade is shaped like a spearhead, with a pointed tip and a long, thin body that tapers to a point. The blade features a pattern of small holes and curved shapes along its length. Below the blade is a handle with a spiral design. A figure of a naga, which appears to be a mythical serpent-like creature, wraps around the handle, its body forming a circular shape. The object is mounted on a round base. The background of the image is a gradient of gray, with the object casting a shadow on the surface below it. The title of the object is "Halberd Head with Naga and Blade".

Artwork Details

Date
ca. second half of the 13th century
Medium
Copper alloy
Culture
Indonesia (Java)
Dimensions
467 × 625 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette