Record

Axehead

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from Ballinaby, Islay, Inner Hebrides

Postcard of Axehead.
000-000-099-750-C
© National Museums Scotland

Axehead

This iron axehead was found in a man's grave at Ballinaby on Islay in the Inner Hebrides. He was buried in a cist with a range of weapons, an elaborate belt and a bronze pin, sometime between 850 and 950.

The broad-bladed axe has a wide flanged socket. It is corroded and damaged on its blade. Its form is similar to other axes found in Viking graves in western Europe.

Viking Age axes appear in a number of forms. Some were used as tools, others as weapons. Often it is difficult to distinguish which function was intended, especially since a range of tools was often included in Viking warriors' graves.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-000-099-750-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0036: Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay)
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  
Date: Between 850 and 950
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References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 124-5. 
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