Haft Collection

Dragoons In Crimea
Members of the 4th Light Dragoons at camp in the Crimea, circa 1855. (Photo by Roger Fenton/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Brandistock (with retractible blades), c. 1600-1625 (steel; round wood haft)
491076 Brandistock (with retractible blades), c.1600-1625 (steel; round wood haft) by Italian School, (17th century); overall l:207.00 Closed - l:162.20 Blade - l:44.45 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art

Western inuit bronze adze haft

Victorian Still Life
Still life with fruit and a carafe of wine, circa 1865. (Photo by Roger Fenton/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Camp In The Crimea
The British 4th Light Dragoons encamped in the Crimea, circa 1855. (Photo by Roger Fenton/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Victorian Lady
A woman outside an arched doorway, circa 1865. (Photo by Roger Fenton/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Flint knife, prehistoric reconstruction. Theories on the techniques and methods used by prehistoric peoples are developed and tested by palaeo-experimenters

Stone age axe, computer artwork. Axes such as this, with a sharpened stone head in a wooden haft, are known from the neolithic (new stone age) period, which began around 12, 000 years ago in Europe

Making Oars 1930
Making wooden oars for the Oxford verus Cambridge boat race - shaping the haft

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"Unveiling the Haft: A Journey Through Time and Craftsmanship" Step into history as we explore the diverse world of "haft, " a term that encompasses various objects with handles or shafts. From Dragoons in Crimea to Victorian ladies, this caption takes you on an intriguing journey through time. In the mid-19th century, Dragoons in Crimea wielded their formidable weapons, such as the Brandistock with retractable blades. This steel marvel was mounted on a round wood haft, providing both strength and flexibility for battle. Traveling back further, we encounter Western Inuit bronze adze hafts. These beautifully crafted tools showcase the ingenuity of indigenous people who utilized them for woodworking tasks. Literature enthusiasts may recognize "Nada the Lily" by H Rider Haggard – an engraving depicting a gripping scene where characters clutch their hafts tightly during intense moments of adventure and survival. Shifting gears to artistry, Victorian still life paintings often featured meticulously arranged objects like ornate silverware resting upon delicate porcelain plates held by elegantly designed hafts – capturing both opulence and refinement. Meanwhile, Camp in Crimea photographs reveal soldiers huddled around campfires holding their trusty hafted flint knives - essential tools for survival amidst harsh conditions. Venturing even further back in time reveals stone age axes with primitive yet effective wooden hafts – testament to our ancestors' resourcefulness and craftsmanship skills thousands of years ago. Fast forward to 1930 when oars were being made industriously. The repetitive process captured in black-and-white photographs showcases skilled hands fashioning sturdy wooden oar hafts that would propel boats across vast waters effortlessly. Whether it's weaponry or everyday tools, these glimpses into history remind us of humanity's constant quest for innovation and adaptation. The humble yet vital role played by these seemingly simple handles or shafts connects us across centuries – bridging the gap between past and present.