Steatite mould for making bronze axeheads

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This steatite mould was found at Stittenham at Rosskeen in Ross-shire. It was used to cast bronze axeheads, sometime between 950 and 750 BC.

Two halves, or valves, of the mould survive. This picture shows their backs. The shape of the axe to be cast was cut into the stone on the other faces. Then the mould was pinned and tied together and the molten bronze poured in the top.

Early evidence of metalworking consists of crucibles, used by metalworkers to melt bronze, brass, lead, silver or gold, and moulds into which the molten metal was poured. A few tools such as anvils, hammers and chisels also survive, sometimes in hoards.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-220-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.CM 52
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Steatite; for a looped socketed axe; decorated on each face
  Steatite; for a looped socketed axe; decorated on each face
  Mould / valve
  Mould / valve
  
• Dimensions: 6.10" x 4.00" x 2.00"
  6.10" x 4.00" x 2.00"
  
• What: Mould / valve
  Mould / valve
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Rosskeen, Stittenham
  Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Rosskeen, Stittenham
  
• Event:
• Description: One of a pair of valves of a steatite mould for a looped socketed axe, decorated on each face, from Stittenham, Rosskeen
  One of a pair of valves of a steatite mould for a looped socketed axe, decorated on each face, from Stittenham, Rosskeen
  
• 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 37. 
• Translations:
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