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Archer's wrist guard

Middle Kingdom–Early New Kingdom
ca. 1981–1550 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109
Archers in ancient Egypt would have worn guards such as this one to protect their wrists from the end of the arrow as they pulled it back to shoot, and from the rebound of the bowstring. This example was found at Gebelein, on the body of a soldier.

Link to a blog about soldiers in Ancient Egypt
In Honor of Pharaoh's Fighters

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Archer's wrist guard
  • Period: Middle Kingdom–Early New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12–18
  • Date: ca. 1981–1550 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt; Said to be from Southern Upper Egypt, Gebelein (Krokodilopolis)
  • Medium: Leather
  • Dimensions: L. 2.7 × W. 7.9 × D. 6 cm (1 1/16 × 3 1/8 × 2 3/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1923
  • Object Number: 23.2.76b
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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