Battle axehead

Add to album

This large battle axehead was found in Peeblesshire. Although battle axes could have been used as weapons, like recent Native American clubs, they were principally symbols of power, indicating high status. It dates from between 2200 and 2000 BC.

This battle axehead is unusually large. It has a thick, bluntish blade and a flattish butt, and is made of an attractive speckled stone. 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

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

• Online ID: 000-100-033-029-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AH 51
• Date: Between 2200 and 2000 BC
  
• Material: Greenstone
  Axe hammer
  
• Dimensions: 5.50" x 3.00" x 2.25"
  
• What: Axe hammer
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Peeblesshire
  
• Event:
• Description: Perforated greenstone axe hammer, from Peeblesshire
  
• References:
  • Roe, F.E.S. The Battle-Axe series in Britain. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 32 (1966), 199-245, no. 412. 
  • 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. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: