Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found in Glenrickard Forest on Arran. It dates from between 2250 and 1900 BC.

The long sides of the flat axehead are bevelled. It is badly pitted by corrosion, but in places the remains of the original surface are preserved. Like most axeheads of this form, this example is undecorated.

A large number of bronze axeheads dating to the Early Bronze Age have been found. Some were clearly everyday objects, used to chop trees and other woodwork. Other were prestige objects, and must have been symbols of power.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-053-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 119
• Date: 2250 - 1900 BC
  Between 2250 and 1900 BC
  
• Material: Long sides bevelled; badly pitted by corrosion; remains of a glossy surface
  Axe, flat
  
• Dimensions: 5.9" L, 1.1" across butt
  
• What: Axe, flat
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Bute, Arran, Kilbride, Glenrickard Forest
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze flat axe from Glenrickard Forest, Arran, Bute, 2250 - 1900 BC
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 10-5, 81. 
• Translations:
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