Head of a Hunting Spear

Unknown

1425–50 · Steel, copper alloy · Arms and Armor

Spearheads such as this one were used for hunting various types of large game, especially wild boar, deer, and bear. The protruding wings on either side of the base were intended to check the forward momentum of a charging animal, keeping it at a safe distance from the hunter. The fine brass inlay decorating the spearhead is a reminder that hunting was a favorite pastime of nobility during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1425–50

Medium

Steel, copper alloy

Culture

German or Austrian

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913