When was "Head for Banner Staff" created?

This artwork was created 18th century.

Is "Head for Banner Staff" in the public domain?

Yes, Head for Banner Staff is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Head for Banner Staff

Unknown Artist

18th century

Dimensions

H. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm); W. 12 5/16 in. (31.3 cm); Wt. 1 lb. 11.2 oz. (771.1 g)

Classification

Miscellaneous

Culture

Persian

Department

Arms and Armor

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935

Accession Number

36.25.2965

Tags

Faces

Art Historical Context

This intricately crafted *Head for Banner Staff*ails from 18th-century Persia, a period when the Safavid and early Qajar dynasties flourished, blending artistry with martial tradition. Measuring about 15¾ inches high and weighing just over 1.7 pounds, this finial was designed to crown a staff bearing a banner—known as an *alam* in Persian—used in military processions, battles, or ceremonial parades. Displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's and Armor department (bequest of George C., 1935), it exemplifies how Persian metalworkers transformed functional objects into symbols of power and pro...

Head for Banner Staff

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