from Crieff, Perthshire

Battle axehead

This unfinished stone battle axehead was found Rhynie in Aberdeenshire. 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.

The battle axehead is unfinished, as the broad shafthole is incomplete and the blade is markedly blunt. It has been made from a flattish egg-shaped cobble. If complete, 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 linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-033-051-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.AH 124
Date:	Between 2200 and 2000 BC
Material:	Greenstone; rough; with a deep depression on each side
Dimensions:	4.50" x 2.44" x 1.81"
What:	Hammer
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Perthshire, Crieff
Event:
Description:	Unfinished stone hammer with a deep depression on each side, from Crieff, Perthshire
References:	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.
Translations:
Related Records: