# Poleax

- By: Western European
- Date: c.1470—c.1520
- Medium: Steel, brass, wood, and leather
- Classification: Arms
- Dimensions: H.: 121.8 cm (48 in.)
- Culture: Western Europe
- Credit line: George F. Harding Collection
- Museum: [Art Institute of Chicago](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/106205)
- Rights: [Public domain (CC0)](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)
- Picture: https://www.artic.edu/iiif/2/782d9534-16ef-5b24-b063-07d825187b8c/full/!1920,1080/0/default.jpg
- Who can see it: Tweens profiles and older (museums give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the museum's own words)

The poleax—so named whether it has an ax- or hammerhead—was designed to smash, break, or pierce through armor. It could be mounted either with a long or short staff. It was used in infantry battle, knightly tournaments, and judicial combat. The blunted hook, hammerhead, and point on the short poleax suggest it was meant for foot tournaments, friendly contests in which blows were exchanged.

Description © Art Institute of Chicago, CC BY 4.0