Axe – kelt
Inv. No. 19752
The axe is forged from a single piece of bronze. It was used as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat. Found in Belgrade, it belongs to items from the Bronze Age.
Bronze Age
Belgrade, Serbia
Halberd
Inv. No. 14154
The halberd (a spear with an axe at the top) was made in the 15th century based on Eastern designs. This infantry weapon was used for stabbing, cutting, and bringing down cavalry.
Pelješac, Dalmatia, Croatia
15th century
Mace
Inv. No. 51212
The mace (also known as a morning star, a handheld striking or throwing weapon) was made of iron and wood. During the Middle Ages, it was used as an offensive or defensive weapon by cavalry members. With the advent of firearms, its role diminished.
Unknown location
Unknown time
Slingshot
Inv. No. 18287
It was used as a weapon for throwing stones over a distance. A stone was placed in the oval part, and by holding the ropes, it was swung around the head. Then, one rope was released, and the stone, carried by centrifugal force, flew in the desired direction.
Užice, Zlatibor District, Western Serbia
19th century
Jatagan – sword
Inv. No. 14178
The jatagan is a type of saber or sword. It is made of steel, bone, silver, and wood. It consists of the jatagan itself and its scabbard. It was used in close combat.
Prizren, Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia
20th century
Flintlock pistol
Inv. No. 19041
The flintlock pistol is a firearm made of steel and silver. It consists of a handle with a breech, a barrel, a base, and a trigger. It was crafted by local craftsmen in the late 18th century. This type of weapon was used for shooting targets at close range.
Peć, Kosovo and Metohija, Serbia
Late 18th and early 19th century
Flintlock gun
Inv. No. 16265
It is made of wood, steel, metal, and silver. It consists of a stock with a breech, a barrel, a base, and a trigger. This craft was the work of local craftsmen following oriental patterns. It was used for shooting distant targets until the mid-19th century.
Unknown location
19th century
Arbija – cudgel
Inv. No. 12617
It was used until the mid-19th century. Some metal types have small loops that screw into the sleeve (šip), and they were used to catch embers when lighting a pipe. Wooden arbijas were most commonly made from yew wood, as it was the hardest and also believed to have magical, protective powers. The arbija were carried tucked into the belt along with other weapons.
Solin, Dalmatia, Croatia
First half of the 19th century
Fišeklija – Gunpowder case
Inv. No. 19046
The small pouch, known as a fiškekija, was used for holding and carrying lead ammunition for rifles. Made of leather and decorated with gold embroidery, the displayed example is a local craft based on oriental patterns.
Unknown location
19th century
Gunpowder horn
Inv. No. 51537
The horn was used as a container for storing gunpowder. Made from a polished branch of deer antler, it was decorated with geometric and floral motifs through engraving. It was used by European feudal nobility as part of hunting equipment for flintlock rifles.
Unknown location
Unknown year
