Cleveland Museum of Art

Bardiche (Pole Axe)

Date

1500s

Medium

steel, leather, brass; wood haft

Culture

Germany or Russia, 16th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

A bardiche is a type of polearm that was used from the 1300s to the 1600s in Europe. Although similar to a halberd it does not have the hook. The shape of the blade can vary but the defining feature is that one end is fastened to the wooden shaft. Hung high on the wall of the Armor Court, this weapon of war, standing almost six feet tall, was sure to intimidate any approaching soldier.

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