From Fortingall, Perthshire; Rattray, Perthshire; Cunzierton, Roxburghshire

Axeheads of jadeite

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

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Online ID:	000-100-032-797-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 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
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.
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