from the water of Leith, Dean Bridge, Edinburgh
![Postcard of Axehead.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0098/00982094.jpg&PHPSESSID=69q4o2o4c83aijrvtmraceg450) 000-100-104-707-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Axehead
This bronze axehead was found in the water of Leith during the building of Dean Bridge in Edinburgh. It dates from between 800 and 700 BC.
The axehead has a quadrilateral socket mouth with rounded corners. Both faces of the axehead are decorated with six vertical grooves. 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: |
000-100-104-707-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 116 |
Date: |
800 - 700 BC Between 800 and 700 BC
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Material: |
Bronze; loop; quadrilateral socket mouth; slight moulding on outer edge of socket; six vertical grooves on each face
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Dimensions: |
4.25" L 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 (In Water of Leith at Dean Bridge)
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Event: |
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Description: |
Bronze socketed axe with loop, quadrilateral socket mouth with rounded corners and six vertical grooves on each face, from the Water of Leith, Dean Bridge, Edinburgh, 800 - 700 BC
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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. p 66.
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