Spearhead

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This bronze spearhead was found at Whitehaugh Moss at Muirkirk in Ayrshire. It dates from between 1700 and 1500 BC.

The tanged spearhead has a lozenge-sectioned midrib with four or five closely set grooves and an edge bevel. The rectangular-sectioned tang has a rivet hole at the base and small nicks on either side. The base of the tang is slightly twisted.

It can be difficult to identify objects as weapons, since many could have been used for other purposes. Spearheads of the early Bronze Age represent some of the first unambiguous weapons in prehistoric Scotland.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-347-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DG 88
• Date: Between 1700 and 1500 BC
  Early Bronze Age
  
• Material: Bronze; Arreton Down type
  
• Dimensions: 10.75" L; tang 2.88" L
  
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• Where: Scotland, Ayrshire, Muirkirk, Whitehaugh Moss
  
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• Description: Early Bronze Age tanged spearhead, Arreton Down type, from Whitehaugh Moss, Muirkirk, Ayrshire
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, A. (eds). 'Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge'. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp. 97, 306. 
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