Bronze tweezers
Unknown Artist
ca. 2900–1050 BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
L. 3 3/16 in. (8.1 cm)
Classification
Bronzes
Culture & Period
Minoan · Early Minoan II-Late Minoan III
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926
Accession Number
26.31.468
Art Historical Context
This delicate pair of bronze tweezers, from around 2900–1050 BCE, offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the Minoan people of ancient Crete. Crafted during the Earlyan II to Late Mino III periods, these tools exemplify the Minoans' mastery of bronze metallurgy—an alloy of copper and tin that marked a technological leap in the Bronze Age, enabling stronger, more durable implements than earlier copper ones. Measuring just 3 3/16 inches (8.1 cm) long, their slim, functional design highlights the precision of Minoan craftsmanship. Minoan society, flourishing on Crete with grand palaces like ...