Battle axehead

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This stone battle axehead was found in the River Tay near Mugdrum Island in Fife. It dates from around 2200 to 2000 BC. Although battle axes could have been used as weapons, like recent Native American clubs, they were principally symbols of power, indicating high status.

This slender battle axehead has a blade, a rounded butt, and a shafthole positioned towards the butt end. The top and bottom surfaces of the battle axehead are parallel. The stone head would have been fixed onto the top of an organic handle by means of its shafthole.

Battle axes were adapted from Continental Europe around the time when metallurgy was introduced to Scotland. They were originally mounted on handles. Although they could have functioned as weapons, their main purpose was to be symbols of power.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-033-026-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AH 44
• Date: Between 2200 and 2000 BC
  
• Material: Basalt; wedge-shaped; polished
  Axe, battle
  
• Dimensions: 6.00" x 2.00"
  
• What: Axe, battle
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Fife, Mugdrum Island
  
• Event:
• Description: Battle-axe of polished basalt from the River Tay at Mugdrum Island
  
• References:
  • Fenton, M.B. The petrological identification of stone battle axes and axe-hammers from Scotland. In: Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 67), 1988, pp 92-132. 
  • Roe, F.E.S. The Battle-Axe series in Britain. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 32 (1966), 199-245. 
  • Roe, F.E.S. Typology of stone implements with shaftholes. In: Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 23), 1979, pp 23-48. 
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