Artwork
Macehead
DepartmentAncient Mediterranean Art
CultureEgyptian
Dateca. 3700-3300 B.C.
MediumBasalt
Dimensionsh. 2 5/8 in. (6.6 cm)
diam. 2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm)
diam. 2 5/16 in. (5.8 cm)
Credit LineSan Antonio Museum of Art, bequest of Gilbert M. Denman, Jr.
Object number2005.1.2
GeographyPlace madeEgypt
DescriptionPear-shaped macehead with a drilled opening for attachment to a handle.Label TextStone maceheads were attached with a leather thong to a handle of wood, ivory, or horn to make a club-like weapon. Originally used for hunting or fighting, by the late Predynastic Period maces took on a more ceremonial purpose as a symbol of royal authority. The image of the king smiting his enemies with a mace became a frequently repeated motif in Egyptian art.
(Jessica Powers, 2018)Provenancesold, Christie's, London, 6 July 1994, lot 14, to Gilbert M. Denman, Jr. (1921-2004), San Antonio; Gilbert M. Denman, Jr., by bequest to the San Antonio Museum of Art, 2005Published ReferencesChristie's, London, 6 July 1994, lot 14.On view
Collections
The San Antonio Museum of Art is in the process of digitizing its permanent collection. This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect SAMA's complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of such records is ongoing.
This resource has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor.
