Axehead

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This small bronze axehead was found in Loch Hope near Durness in Sutherland. It dates from around 1500 to 1150 BC.

The narrow-bladed axehead has angled, inturned flanges. It has a slight stop-ridge, which prevented the haft from slipping down the tool. Axeheads of the form are found primarily in northeastern Scotland.

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: 000-100-104-061-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DC 73
• Date: 1500 - 1150 BC
  Between 1500 and 1150 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; with slight stop ridge and flanges
  Axe, flanged
  
• Dimensions: 2.88 x 0.94"
  
• What: Axe, flanged
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Sutherland, Durness, Loch Hope
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze flanged axe from Loch Hope, Sutherland, 1500 - 1150 BC
  
• References:
  • Coles, J.M. Scottish Middle Bronze Age Metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland, 97 (1963-64), pp 82-156, esp. 94, 139. 
• Translations:
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