Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon
Ancient Near Eastern ArtMetalwork-Implementsca. late 3rd–early 2nd millennium B.C.

Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon is a metalwork-implements of Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex origin created in ca. late 3rd–early 2nd millennium B.C. using silver, gold foil measuring L. 15 cm — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumSilver, gold foil
DimensionsL. 15 cm
ClassificationMetalwork-Implements
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LinePurchase, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, and James N. Spear and Schimmel Foundation Inc. Gifts, 1982
Dateca. late 3rd–early 2nd millennium B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex culture, dating from the Bronze Age period. The estimated date range is 2250 BC – 1750 BC.

Geography

Origin: Bactria-Margiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon?

Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon created?

Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon dates to ca. late 3rd–early 2nd millennium B.C..

What material is Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon made from?

Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon is crafted from silver, gold foil.

Is Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon in the public domain?

Shaft-hole axe head with bird-headed demon, boar, and dragon is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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