Macehead

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This stone macehead was found at Abernethy in Perthshire. It would have been fixed to the top of an organic handle and used principally as a symbol of power. It dates from around 1900 to 1700 BC.

The macehead has been made from a flattish cobble with rounded sides. The ends have been shaped slightly, and the shafthole is central.

Maces were used as symbols of power from the late 4th to the early 2nd millennium BC. They were often made from attractive rocks, and rarely show signs of use.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-033-041-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AH 90
• Date: Between 3300 and 2500 BC
  
• Material: Greenstone; perforated through the flat face; imperfect on one side
  Hammerstone
  
• Dimensions: 3.50" x 2.81"
  
• What: Hammerstone
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Abernethy
  
• Event:
• Description: Perforated hammerstone from Abernethy, Perthshire
  
• References:
  • Roe, F.E.S. Stone mace-heads and the latest Neolithic cultures of the British Isles. In: Coles, J.M. and Simpson, D.D.A. (eds) Studies in Ancient Europe. Leicester: Leicester University Press, 1968, pp 145-172. 
  • 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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