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Presentation Tomahawk

dated 1760
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 372
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Engraved with a sun in splendor and a fleur-de-lis, emblems of the king of France, this tomahawk is one of about six known examples. The French government may have presented them to Native Americans at the time of the French and Indian War (1754–63), a conflict fought over large parts of North America by French and English forces, their tribal allies, and colonial militias.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Presentation Tomahawk
  • Date: dated 1760
  • Culture: French or North American
  • Medium: Steel, copper alloy, silver, wood
  • Dimensions: L. 22 5/8 in. (57.5 cm); W. of head 6 5/8 in. (16.83 cm)
  • Classification: Shafted Weapons
  • Credit Line: Private Collection
  • Object Number: L.2020.30
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor