dagger-axe

Dagger-axe, ge, with a horizontal double-edged blade curving towards the point. There is a vertical extension from the lower edge, and at right angles to this a rectangular tang with one pierced hole. Between the blade and the tang is a flange, parallel to which are three lashing holes to facilitate attachment to a shaft.

Dagger-axes of this type are sometimes confusingly referred to as halberds, or 'ji'. They were used for hooking and killing and could only function fully when fitted with a wooden shaft, to which they were fastened by cord lashings. This type of bronze weapon was in use from the Shang dynasty (circa 1700-1027 BC) until the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). See pp. 83-84, Chen, Fang-mei (1995), "Major lines of development in Shang and Chou dynasty bronze weapons" in 'Illustrated Catalogue of Ancient Bronze Weaponry in the National Palace Museum'. Taipei: National Palace Museum.

fighting

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
24.7.51/15
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 190.5 x 76.2 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
metal; copper alloy; bronze
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Archaeology
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring anthropology

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk