Assyrian Bronze Sickle Sword circa 1307–1275 B.C.

Period: Middle Assyrian Date: ca. 1307–1275 B.C.

Geography: Northern Mesopotamia

Culture: Assyrian

Medium: Bronze

Dimensions: L. 54.3 cm

Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1911 Accession Number: 11.166.1

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 406

This curved sword bears the cuneiform inscription "Palace of Adad-nirari, king of the universe, son of Arik-den-ili, king of Assyria, son of Enlil-nirari, king of Assyria," indicating that it was the property of the Middle Assyrian king Adad-nirari I (r. 1307–1275 B.C.). The inscription appears in three places on the sword: on both sides of the blade and along its (noncutting) edge. Also on both sides of the blade is an engraving of an antelope reclining on some sort of platform.

Provenance : 1874, acquired by Robert W. Hanbury in Mardin; by 1875, on loan by Colonel Hanbury to the Assyrian gallery of the British Museum, London; 1910s, purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan from Mrs. Bowring-Hanbury, London; acquired by the Museum in 1911, gift of J. Pierpont Morgan.

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Source: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/322443