Record

Axeheads of flint

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From Edinburgh Banffshire and East Lothian

Postcard of Axeheads of flint.
000-100-032-704-C
© National Museums Scotland

Axeheads of flint

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.


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Online ID: 000-100-032-704-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: 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
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. 
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