from Bell's Mill, Dean, Edinburgh
![Postcard of Axehead.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00982104.jpg&PHPSESSID=lc52fqd1bgji531if6j2n4ncf7) 000-100-082-618-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Axehead
This bronze axehead is from a hoard of five found in the water of Leith near Bell's Mill at Dean in Edinburgh. The hoard was buried between 950 and 750 BC.
The socketed axehead has a long octagonal body decorated with parallel lines. Unlike many socketed axeheads, it does not have a loop which helped tie the axehead to the wooden handle. The handle would have fitted into the axehead's socket.
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: |
000-100-082-618-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.DE 18 |
Date: |
Between 950 and 750 BC
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Material: |
Bronze; ornamented with parallel lines; without loop
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Dimensions: |
5.00" x 2.13"
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What: |
Axe, socketed
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Subject: |
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Who: |
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Where: |
Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Dean, Bell's Mills
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Event: |
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Description: |
Bronze socketed axe ornamented with parallel lines, without loop, from Bell's Mills, Dean, Edinburgh
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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. pp 116-7.
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