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Two objects laid out side by side. One being a long and narrow metal blade with some detailing close to the bottom. The other being a long and narrow black leather cone.

Two pointed objects laid out horizontally side by side on a pale blue background. Both objects point to the left. The top one being a long and narrow metal blade that is shiny and sleek. The blade has a curled detail in the middle closer to the right end. The other object is a long and narrow black leather cone with no decoration. The tip of the leather object seems to be slightly worn.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
2011.537.A
Title
Spearhead
Classification
Weapons and Ammunition
Work Type
spearhead
Date
17th-18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/212126

Location

Location
Level 2, Room 2590, South Asian Art, South Asia in the Medieval and Early Modern Eras
View this object's location on our interactive map

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Spearhead: steel; Sheath: wood, leather
Dimensions
49.75 cm (19 9/16 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • inscription: Two undeciphered inscriptions, one on the blade and one on the handle.

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Arrived at the Harvard Art Museums on January 29, 1969.
Stuart Cary Welch, Jr., Warner, New Hampshire (by 1989-2008), by inheritance; to Edith I. Welch, Warner, New Hampshire (2008-2011), gift; to Harvard Art Museums 2011.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Gift of Edith I. Welch in memory of Stuart Cary Welch
Accession Year
2011
Object Number
2011.537.A
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
The spearhead is made of a single piece of steel. The base that would have connected to the haft is fluted into ten segments. The base of the blade is lobed on either side with a spade-like embossed shape in the center, with two holes on both sides. The spade-like shape terminates into a trefoil shape. There is a high medial rib that runs the length of the blade. Two fullers flank the medial rib, but only run down a third of the blade. On one side, on the right, is an inscription that has been pricked into the steel. The blade comes to a fine point. The profile of the blade, particularly toward the base, is diamond in shape.

The sheath is made of wood and covered in black leather. The leather has been treated to imitate ray skin. This is done by laying the leather over seeds and pounding it to create that embossed effect.

Exhibition History

  • 32Q: 2590 South and Southeast Asia, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 11/06/2019 - 01/01/2050

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu