Arrowhead

Unknown Artist

ca. 1550–1458 B.C.

Arrowhead by Unknown Artist

Medium

Copper alloy

Dimensions

L. 9.2 cm (3 5/8 in)

Classification

Arrowhead

Period

New Kingdom

Department

Egyptian Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1916

Accession Number

16.10.460

Art Historical Context

This finely crafted arrowhead, dating to the early New Kingdom (ca. 1550–1458 B.C.) during Dynasty 18, hails from a golden age of Egyptian power and innovation. The New Kingdom marked Egypt's imperial expansion under pharaohs like Those I, with military campaigns into Nubia and the Levant relying on advanced weaponry. At just 9.2 cm long, this copper alloy projectile exemplifies the era's sophisticated archery, essential for both hunting warfare in a society where the bow symbolized royal might and divine protection. Forged from copper alloy—a precursor to true bronze—this arrowhead highlight...

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