Two Arrows
Unknown Artist
probably 16th century
Medium
Wood, textile, lacquer, steel, gold, copper alloy
Dimensions
arrow (36.25.2591a): L. 25 3/4 in. (65.4 cm); Wt. 0.8 oz. (22.7 g); arrow (36.25.2591b): L. 25 15/16 in. (65.9 cm); Wt. 0.8 oz. (22.7 g)
Classification
Archery Equipment-Arrows & Quivers
Culture
Turkish or Iranian
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935
Accession Number
36.25.2591a, b
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor Department, *Two Arrows* (36.25.2591a-b) stand as exquisite examples of 16th-century archery equipment from Turkish or Iranian culture. Likely crafted during the height of the Ottoman Empire or Safavid Persia, these arrows reflect the era's mastery of composite bow warfare, where archery was central to military prowess on the steppes and battlefields. Measuring about 26 inches long and weighing just 0.8 ounces each, their lightweight design optimized flight speed and accuracy for mounted archers. Crafted from wood shafts wrapped in textile, t...