Sword c. 1791

Curator: Here we have a "Sword," by an unidentified maker, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's approximately 95 centimeters in length. Editor: Visually, it's striking, a gleaming metal object that speaks of power and, perhaps, a bygone era of conflict and status. Curator: Absolutely. Considering its materiality—the forged metal, likely crafted by skilled artisans—we must examine the labor involved, the social context of its creation, and its purpose as both weapon and status symbol. Editor: I'm thinking about the intersection of masculinity and violence, how this object reinforces certain power structures, gender roles, and perhaps even colonial narratives. Curator: The sword's existence speaks to the complex relationship between craftsmanship, violence, and identity. Its design would be crucial, revealing the techniques employed and the intended function. Editor: Ultimately, it makes you question the narratives of heroism and conquest that it embodies. It forces us to consider the violence woven into the fabric of our histories. Curator: Precisely. A compelling reminder of the multifaceted stories that objects can tell us about the past and its ongoing resonance in the present.