Collection Highlights
Parure
ca. 1820
1920.11-17
Cut steel
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Battle axe
Title
Battle axe
Object name
Axe
Date
ca. 1902
Medium
Steel, wood, wicker
Dimensions
Overall: 20 1/2 x 11 1/4 x 1 in. ( 52.1 x 28.6 x 2.5 cm )
Description
Axe with steel head and wooden handle; head with relatively straight upper and lower edges, angled cutting edge, and incurving back that narrows to a slender spike; cylindrical handle tapering slightly toward end; steel collar with narrow wicker band.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. James G. Harbord
Object Number
1948.607
Gallery Label
According to the accession records, this object was acquired by the donor's husband, Colonel James Guthrie Harbord (1866-1947), while serving as Assistant Chief of Philippines Constabulary, U. S. Army, from 1903 to 1914. This type of weapon was apparently used for decapitation, after which the head of the victim could be carried as a trophy on the spike projecting from the back of the blade.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.