The Met’s Department of Arms and Armor collects, preserves, researches, publishes, and exhibits distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture. It is one of the most comprehensive and encyclopedic collections of its kind.