Dagger
1 of 3
Object Label
Weapons
As early as the Predynastic Period, Egyptian foot soldiers relied on fearsome battle-axes and sharp daggers to crush their opponents in hand-to-hand combat, and employed the bow and arrow from a distance.
Originally there was no difference in design between the battle-axe and the woodworker’s axe; both featured a semicircular blade tied to a wooden handle by cords. In the Middle Kingdom, toolsmiths developed a more effective weapon that had a long blade with convex sides narrowing to a curved edge.
Most daggers, which resembled short swords, had double-edged blades riveted to ivory or bone handles and reinforced by a vertical rib.
The bow and arrow remained an Egyptian’s most effective weapon. (Unfortunately, the Brooklyn Museum does not have a complete example.) Archers shot from a stationary position or from the cab of a moving chariot as a skilled driver spurred on the horses. Reconstruction
Caption
Dagger, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.. Copper alloy, wood, metal, ivory, and leather, 2 1/4 × 5/8 × 11 3/8 in. (5.7 × 1.6 × 28.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 09.889.339. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.09.889.339_NegA_print_bw.jpg)
Title
Dagger
Date
ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 18
Period
New Kingdom
Geography
Possible place collected: Faiyum, Egypt
Medium
Copper alloy, wood, metal, ivory, and leather
Classification
Dimensions
2 1/4 × 5/8 × 11 3/8 in. (5.7 × 1.6 × 28.9 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
09.889.339
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
Were these weapons ceremonial, or functional?
It is likely that this was a ceremonial blade due to the high artistic quality of the object. Both ceremonial and functional objects like this would be placed in the tomb of the deceased for use in the afterlife.Where did the Egyptians get the materials to make this dagger?
The materials used were from trade and local resources. Bronze is made from copper--likely imported from Cyprus--and tin--possibly imported from Anatolia. Ivory would have come from either a hippo or an elephant. Ebony was imported from Sub-Saharan Africa.How would this dagger be held? There are two holes in the hilt that look like they could accommodate a brass knuckle/scissor style of holding, and the pommel seems pretty wide, but I guess if the hand was large enough it could be held in the palm? Or is that just decorative?
Yes! The decorative qualities of this dagger suggest that it served a ceremonial purpose.Any idea of the type of ceremony? Or is there not enough context to tell?Unfortunately, I don't know enough about where this was found. Although, when I say "ceremonial" it could also mean it was used as a part of ceremonial regalia; something that an important person would wear for a special occasion.I see. Thanks for answering my questions.It says provence unknown. Do you have any guesses about the provenance?
Unfortunately, the dagger itself doesn't give us any clues and we don't have any notes from the person who found it. Similar daggers have been found in various locations throughout Egypt.Tell me more.
This dagger would have served a ceremonial function based on its unusually shaped ivory handle. It was more an accessory than a weapon.The dagger at the bottom looks sharp though
Yes! Just like ceremonial swords today, ceremonial weapons in ancient Egypt were still weapons, just not intended for battle.Makes senseThe decorative and somewhat impractical handle of the dagger is what indicates that it was for show.
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