Artwork Page for Axe

Details / Information for Axe

Axe

1766–1045 BCE

China, Shang dynasty

(c. 1600–c. 1046 BCE)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 23.8 cm (9 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1941.549
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

A staff or pike would have attached to the blade via the socket below the owl's head.

Description

The head of an owl with large eyes and ears, sitting above the blade of a halberd-axe, may have deterred evil and harm from its carrier. Whether such an axe was used in ritual or warfare is not clear.
A bronze axe head rests horizontally, featuring a thick blade tapering to a rounded point. On the left, a cylindrical socket is surmounted by a zoomorphic head, reminiscent of an owl, with pointed ears and large, concentric circular eyes. A rectangular piece projects from the back. The entire object is encrusted with a thick, mottled green and brown patina, resulting in a heavily textured, oxidized surface.

Axe

1766–1045 BCE

China, Shang dynasty (c. 1600–c. 1046 BCE)

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