Head of a Ceremonial War Hammer

ca. 1550 or later
Not on view
Although complete with a hammer and beak on the sides and a short spike on the top like many steel war hammers, this cast bronze example was designed to be used in a civic or religious ceremony as a symbol of authority, not as a weapon.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of a Ceremonial War Hammer
  • Date: ca. 1550 or later
  • Culture: probably Italian
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: L. 6 7/16 in. (16.3 cm); L. of head 4 in. (10.1 cm); W. 5 13/16 in. (14.7 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 12 oz. (793.8 g)
  • Classification: Shafted Weapons
  • Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
  • Object Number: 14.25.1351
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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