Author:Anonymous

Category：Weapons and defense

Year：Late 17th century

Size:Length:45 x Width:4 x Height:114 (cm)

Introduction：In the late 6th century, Slavic tribes settled in areas close to Venice. After several centuries, the whole region was included into the Republic of Venice in 1420. The Venetian authorities gave the local Slavs full autonomy, on the condition that they would serve as border guards. This fine and rare pair of Venetian Parade Glaives were special weapons used by the Venetian Doge's Slavonic guards, who were known as the “Schiavoni,” which means “Slavs” in old Italian.

Both faces of these glaives are deeply chiselled. On the back edge there are profiled projections of wolf-like creatures, possibly dragons attacking two rampant lions. At the lower edge, and just above and around the haft socket are two winged sea horses. Above this are two winged female figures holding leaves over a male head. At the top of the etched area is a large winged female blowing a trumpet held by one hand and a lance in the other. She is surrounded by war trophies at her feet. With their carefully-styled relief carvings, these pair of glaives are as finely crafted as many works of fine art and therefore deserve as much careful appreciation.

Accession Number:0001185

Place of Orgin：Italy