Axeheads of jadeite

Add to album

These four stone axeheads, all of Alpine jadeite, were found at Fortingall in Perthshire, at Rattray in Perthshire, and two at Cunzierton in Roxburghshire. They were imported from the Piedmont area, around the Swiss-French-Italian border.

All four axeheads are made from jadeite, a very tough stone which is difficult to work. They are highly polished and unused, clearly status symbols, not utilitarian tools.

Some axeheads were symbols of power and prestige, probably with religious significance as well. They were often used in gift exchanges and, like these, could travel over large distances. These axeheads may have arrived in Scotland via the Rhineland.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-032-797-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AF 589
• Date: Between 3800 and 3000 BC
  
• Material: Jadeite; finely polished
  Jadeite; polished
  Jadeite; round pointed butt; sides sharp; finely polished; slightly fractured on cutting edge
  Axe
  Axe
  Axe
  
• Dimensions: 7.50" x 3.70" x 0.50"
  7.94" x 3.19" x 0.69"
  8.00" x 3.50"
  
• What: Axe
  Axe
  Axe
  
• Subject:
• Who: Archibald Stavert (Object presented in his memory)
  
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Aberfeldy, Drummond Hill, Comrie Farm
  Scotland, Perthshire, River Ericht, Rattray
  Scotland, Roxburghshire, Oxnam, Cunzierton
  
• Event:
• Description: Axe head of finely polished Alpine jadeite, found on the bank of the River Ericht at Rattray, Perthshire
  Axe head of finely polished Alpine jadeite, from Comrie Farm, near Drummond Hill, Aberfeldy
  Axe head of polished Alpine jadeite, from Cunzierton, Roxburghshire
  
• 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 58-62, 251-2. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: