Weapons c. 1590 - 1596

This is a polearm of unknown date, held at the Rijksmuseum. A formidable weapon, the polearm features a spear-like blade atop a long shaft, combined with an axe-like blade and a hook. Consider the axe, a symbol ubiquitous across cultures—from the labrys of Minoan Crete, wielded by priestesses, to the fasces of ancient Rome, emblems of power and authority. The axe transcends mere utility; it embodies the primal forces of creation and destruction. In heraldry, weapons signify readiness and courage, linking the bearer to a lineage of valor and martial prowess. This association evokes profound psychological responses, tapping into humanity's collective memories of conflict and protection. The polearm is not merely a tool of war but a cultural artifact, reflecting the values and anxieties of its time. Its symbolism echoes through history, reminding us that the past is always present.