Arrowhead
Unknown Artist
ca. 1550–1458 B.C.
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...