Axeheads

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These five axeheads are part of a hoard containing an unknown number of axeheads from Caldonshill in Wigtownshire. They were probably buried as an offering to the gods sometime between 1400 and 1250 BC.

The distinctively-shaped axeheads are of a type known as a palstave. One has a loop and two have broken loops, while the remaining two are without. The axehead on the far right is fragmentary.

Axeheads were symbols of power and prestige for a long period, probably with religious significance as well. They were sometimes buried as offerings to the gods.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-618-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DQ 210
• Date: Between 1400 and 1250 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Bronze; broken at the butt
  Bronze; with one loop and a prominent mid rib
  Bronze; with remains of a loop
  Bronze; with very broad wings
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  
• Dimensions: 4.25" x 1.50"
  5.00" x 2.06"
  6.25" x 2.25"
  6.25" x 2.50"
  6.56" x 1.75"
  
• What: Axe, flanged / palstave
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  Axe, flanged / palstave
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stoneykirk, Caldons Hill
  Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stoneykirk, Caldons Hill
  Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stoneykirk, Caldons Hill
  Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stoneykirk, Caldons Hill
  Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stoneykirk, Caldons Hill
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze palstave from Caldons Hill, Wigtownshire
  Bronze palstave from Caldons Hill, Wigtownshire
  Bronze palstave from Caldons Hill, Wigtownshire
  Bronze palstave broken at the butt, from Caldons Hill, Wigtownshire
  Bronze palstave from Caldons Hill, Wigtownshire
  
• 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 29-30, 133. 
• Translations:
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