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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2005.186
Title
Flat-Tanged Razor or Arrowhead
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Work Type
razor
Date
n.d.
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Anatolia
Culture
Unidentified culture
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/144752

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper
Technique
Cast and hammered
Dimensions
8.3 x 2.5 x 0.2 cm (3 1/4 x 15/16 x 1/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: XRF data from Artax 1
Alloy: Copper
Alloying Elements: copper
Other Elements: iron, arsenic
K. Eremin, January 2014

XRF data from Tracer
Alloy: Copper
Alloying Elements: copper
Other Elements: lead, iron, silver, arsenic
K. Eremin, January 2014

Technical Observations: The surface is covered almost entirely with white and tan friable material, along with a waxy or resinous translucent material that covers shiny green copper corrosion products. In a few areas, the green has come through to the surface. The very thin edges of the soft metal are curled over in a few places and appear to have deteriorated to a jagged edge in others.

The object was probably cast and then hammered out to a fine edge, leaving the tang somewhat thicker. Due to the corrosion, it is impossible to characterize the nature of the original surface.


Francesca G. Bewer (submitted 2012)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Purchased by David Gordon Mitten at the bazaar in Izmir, Turkey, during the summer of 1960.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of David Gordon Mitten in memory of W. C. Burriss Young
Accession Year
2005
Object Number
2005.186
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
This broad, leaf-shaped arrowhead has a rounded tip and a narrow tang that tapers to a sharp point. There is no defined midrib on either side.

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu