from High Clone, Mochrun, Wigtownshire
![Postcard of Axe-hammer.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00982418.jpg&PHPSESSID=fuvphabkm7rgnpmi4122gmhtd0) 000-190-004-772-C © National Museums Scotland |
|
Axe-hammer
The stone axehead was found at High Clone at Mochrun in Wigtownshire. Axe-hammers are heavy-duty tools, ranging in length from 150 to 350 mm. They have shaftholes for a wooden handle. They could have been used as massive wedges, and they probably date to between 2100 and 1400 BC.
The axe-hammer is asymmetrical, and has a large flake scar along one side.
The function of axe-hammers has been debated. Traces of use suggest that the butt end was struck and the blade end pushed through a resistant material. The narrow handle would have been too weak to act like an axe handle, so may have been for steadying the tool in position. Use as a heavy-duty wedge seems the most likely. There are unexplained concentrations of axe-hammers in south-west Scotland and north-west England.
Record details
To search on related items, click any linked text below.
Online ID: |
000-190-004-772-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.AH 22 |
Date: |
Between 2100 and 1400 BC
|
Material: |
Greenstone
|
Dimensions: |
8.38" x 4.00" x 3.25"
|
What: |
Axe
|
Subject: |
|
Who: |
|
Where: |
Scotland, Wigtownshire, Mochrum, High Clone
|
Event: |
|
Description: |
Axe of stone from High Clone, Mochrum, Wigtownshire
|
References: |
- Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies, Volume 2. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 67), 1988.
- Fenton, M.B. The petrological identification of stone battle axes and axe-hammers from Scotland. In: Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 67), 1988, pp 92-132.
- Roe, F.E.S. Typology of stone implements with shaftholes. In: Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 23), 1979, pp 23-48.
|
Translations: |
|
Related Records: |
|