Ceremonial Arrowhead
Originally mounted on a wooden shaft, this extremely large arrowhead probably served as a symbol of rank or a baton of command. It is decorated with royal Bohemian monograms and badges in addition to religious invocations in medieval Czech. It bears the monogram AR for Albert, king of Bohemia and Hungary (reigned 1437–39), and also the monogram AE, probably for Albert and Elizabeth, his queen. It is also stamped with the so-called Turkish arsenal mark, indicating that it was captured by Ottoman forces, perhaps in the campaign of 1439 in which Albert was killed, and was subsequently stored in the Turkish arsenal in Constantinople (now Istanbul).
Artwork Details
- Title: Ceremonial Arrowhead
- Date: ca. 1437–39
- Geography: probably Prague
- Culture: Bohemian, probably Prague
- Medium: Steel, copper alloy
- Dimensions: L. 12 1/8 in. (30.7 cm); W. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm); Wt. 18.2 oz. (517 g)
- Classification: Archery Equipment-Arrows & Quivers
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund,1966
- Object Number: 66.199
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Bohemian, probably Prague
ca. 1437–39
Bohemian, probably Prague
1437–39
Bohemian, probably Prague
1437–39
Bohemian, possibly Chomutov (now Czech Republic)
ca. 1450
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
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