Axehead

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This bronze axehead was possibly found in Lanarkshire or Peebleshire. It dates from between 2050 and 1800 BC.

The flat axehead has hammered flanges and a slight swelling at the middle of the axe face. A number of axeheads of this form are decorated, here on both faces with a 'rain' pattern.

Bronze Age axeheads were hafted in L-shaped pieces of wood. The short arm was split to hold the axehead which was then tied into position. The hammered flanges helped prevent the axehead slipping sideways. However, decorated axeheads may never have been intended for hafting.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-187-643-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 27
• Date: Between 2050 and 1800 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Axe, flat
  
• Dimensions: 5.75 x 3"
  
• What: Axe, flat
  
• Subject:
• Who:
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• Event:
• Description: Bronze flat axe from Lanarkshire
  
• 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, 86. 
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