Dimensions: length 55.4 cm, width 21 cm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
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.
Naturally, Barentsz’s ship and his crew were well armed. They had to be able to repel pirates, European rivals and potentially hostile Asian ships. On Nova Zembla the men used the weapons chiefly to defend themselves from aggressive polar bears.
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