Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found below Corsbie Tower at Legerwood in Berwickshire. It dates from between 800 and 700 BC.

The socketed axehead has a raised moulding at the mouth, with a second, less pronounced one below. Three parallel ribs run below this on each side, the central rib ending in a circle.

Socketed axeheads appear to have been invented on the Continent. A curved wooden handle would have fitted into the axehead's socket. A thong could also have attached the axehead to the socket through the loop.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-700-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 81
• Date: 800 - 700 BC
  Between 800 and 700 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; raised mouldings encircling mouth of socket from which depend on each face three parallel ribs, one ending in a circle
  Axe, socketed
  
• Dimensions: 3.38" L x 2.19"
  
• What: Axe, socketed
  
• Subject:
• Who: Lady John Scott Collection (Collector)
  
• Where: Scotland, Berwickshire, Legerwood, Corsbie Tower
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze socketed axe with raised mouldings encircling the mouth of the socket, from Corsbie Tower, Legerwood, Berwickshire, 800 - 700 BC
  
• 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 68. 
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