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Dervish Ax

dated A.H. 1241/1825–26 CE
Not on view
Large axes with crescent-shaped blades were originally designed for use in battle, but they gradually came to serve as symbols of authority and were carried before a dignitary. They are also associated with religious mystics, Sufis or dervishes, who often exercised considerable political influence, particularly among the Ottoman janissaries (the sultan’s elite guard). This late example is decorated in silver with pious Qur'anic inscriptions and verses in Ottoman Turkish by Hatayi, a poet of the Bektashi Order of Dervishes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Dervish Ax
  • Date: dated A.H. 1241/1825–26 CE
  • Culture: Turkish
  • Medium: Steel, silver, copper, wood
  • Dimensions: L. 52 in. (132 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 2 oz. (1420 g); axehead: 15 3/8 x 8 3/4 in. (39 x 22.1 cm)
  • Classification: Shafted Weapons
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
  • Object Number: 04.3.467
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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