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
Museum record:
View original
Palette