Julio's Art Blog: Decorative but Deadly: Armor and Weapons

The Metropolitan Museum of Art contains many interesting tools, weapons, and armor used by different cultures. Have you ever really looked at a weapon or a piece of armor closely enough to notice the engravings on it? This exhibit takes a closer look at some of the armor and weapons used from the 13th to the 19th centuries. The design and inscriptions engraved on these objects sometimes have significance for the owner or simply have decorative appeal. I chose this theme because, when the design of and/or decoration on the weapon seems to have a meaning to it, I attempt to find out what it is.

The three art works that I've chosen are found in the Islamic Art, Asian Art, and Arms and Armor galleries. The first object is a Helmet with Talismanic Inscriptions found in the Islamic Art gallery. The Helmet contains an inscription, as mentioned in the displayed plaque, it "calls upon him for protection against harm and danger". "Him" refers to Ali, the cousin of the prophet. The second object is a Dagger Handle found in the Asian Art gallery. The design of this handle is of the Hindu God Batara Bayu. The owner of this weapon uses this design to help "wards off evil", as mentioned in the displayed plate. The final tool for battle is the Armor of Henry II of France. The design is found in the Arms and Armor gallery, Decorated with human figures and creatures one particular design found on the chest displays a man receiving two swords from two different women. Also, there are angels and plants extending all over the armor. The plate beside the armor didn't give much information that indicated if the decorations had any significant meaning.

Not all designs found on these weapons and armor mean something special to the owner of the object but why not have a cool looking weapon when at war?