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[ΚΕΝΟ]
[ΚΕΝΟ]

Emblematic bronze sword with gold-sheathed hilt

Χ2087
Metal (Bronze)
Mended and restored.
Length: 89.5 cm. Width: 9 cm.
Malia
Palace, West Wing
Middle Bronze Age. Protopalatial period, Middle Minoan IIB period.:
c. 1700 BC:
Gallery:
III
Case:
24
Exhibition thematic unit:
Middle Bronze Age - Protopalatial period (1900-1700 BC). The First Palaces. The emergence of palatial societies
Weapons and symbols of authority.
Description
Long bronze sword with elaborate decoration. The long hilt was made of grey limestone and covered in decorated gold leaf. The pommel is a large, solid octahedral rock crystal core. This sword is a precursor of the Type A swords with long blade and rounded shoulders of the Neopalatial era. The blade is reinforced with a wide midrib; however, the hafting makes the sword fragile. The rich decoration of the hilt and its hafting show that this was an emblematic sword, a badge of rank rather than an offensive weapon designed for use in war. Next to the sword were found a dagger with an elaborately decorated hilt and an axe-sceptre head in the shape of a panther.
Bibliography:
Chapouthier, F. and Charbonneaux, J. Fouilles ex?cut?es ? Mallia I. Paris, 1928, 21.
Author:
G. F.


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