An ear dagger is a relatively rare and exotic form of dagger that was used during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. It is so named because the pommel of the dagger has a very distinctive shape, somewhat resembling a human ear.[1] Ear daggers frequently have a single sharpened edge that ends in an acute point.
It is thought that the ear dagger was introduced to Europe from Spain, where it presumably originated from the Moors.
History
editThe design (in bronze) may have appeared in the second millennium BC in Luristan and is more firmly attested in the first.[1] Further production in the same area took place between 300AD and 500AD.[1] The design was first made in Europe in the Iberian peninsular.[1] By the 15th century, manufacture had extended to Italy.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e Impey, Edward, ed. (2022). Treasures of the Royal Armouries A Panoply of Arms. Royal Armouries Museum. p. 98. ISBN 9781913013400.
External links
edit- myarmoury.com
- myarmoury.com article on rondel daggers, with an illustration of an ear dagger
- liveseycompany.com
- Royal armouries collection, high resolution images of authentic example
