Axeheads of flint

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These four flint axeheads were found at Craigentinny, Edinburgh, two at Smerrick at Enzie in Banffshire, and the fourth at Gilmerton at Athelstaneford in East Lothian. They were clearly ceremonial, prestige items, rather than utilitarian axeheads.

All the axeheads are of highly polished flint and are unused. The Craigentinny axehead has slight damage to its ends, caused by its finders.

These axeheads may have been made from flint found off the east coat of England. Similar axeheads have been found scattered along the eastern coast of Scotland and England. They were prestige items, for ceremonial use.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-032-704-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AF 61
• Date: Between 3500 and 2800 BC
  
• Material: Flint, greyish; finely polished
  Flint, yellow; finely polished
  Axe
  Axe
  
• Dimensions: 10.00" x 2.50"
  9.25" x 2.63"
  
• What: Axe
  Axe
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Enzie, Smerrick
  Scotland, East Lothian, Athelstaneford, Gilmerton
  
• Event:
• Description: High gloss axe head of finely polished yellow flint, from Gilmerton, Athelstaneford, East Lothian
  High gloss axe head of finely polished greyish flint, from Smerrick, Enzie, Banffshire
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 252-4. 
• Translations:
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