from Loch Drum, Aberdeenshire
Add to albumThis bronze axehead was found in Loch Drum in Aberdeenshire. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.
The socketed axehead is a form often termed a bag-shaped axe, characterised by a short body and wide blade, with an oval or slightly faceted body section. A wooden handle would have fitted into the axehead's socket. A thong could also have attached the axehead to the socket through the loop.
Axeheads were symbols of power and prestige for a long period, probably with religious significance as well. They were sometimes buried or deposited in watery places as offerings to the gods.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-100-104-688-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland X.DE 38
- Date: 950 - 750 BC
Between 950 and 750 BC
- Material: Bronze
Axe, socketed
- Dimensions: 2.50" x 2.25"
- What: Axe, socketed
- Subject:
- Who:
- Where: Scotland, Kincardineshire, Loch Drum
- Event:
- Description: Bronze socketed axe from Loch Drum, Kincardineshire, 950 - 750 BC
- References:
- Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), pp 16-134, esp. p 66.
- Translations:
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