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
Date
Warring States Period
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 190.5 x 76.2 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
metal; copper alloy; bronze
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Archaeology
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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