Battle axes

These two stone battle axes were found at Cluny Muir at Kinglassie in Fife and at St Andrews in Fife. Although they could have functioned as weapons, their main purpose was to be symbols of power. They date from between 2000 to 1700 BC.

The axeheads are of a type known as flat profile battle axes. The top example is unfinished, with only the beginning of a cylindrical hole on one face. The bottom example is finished, with the hole smoothly drilled through.

Battle axes were adapted from Continental Europe around the time when metallurgy was introduced to Scotland. They were originally mounted on handles.

Record details

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

Online ID:	000-100-033-086-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 230
Date:	Between 2000 and 1700 BC
Material:	Sandstone, fine-grained; butt rounded; on one face the beginning of a cylindrical perforation
Dimensions:	4.80" L
What:	Axe, battle
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Fife, Kinglassie, Thornton, Cluny Bridge, Cluny Muir
Event:
Description:	Unfinished flat profile battle-axe of fine-grained sandstone with the beginning of a cylindrical perforation on one face, from Cluny Muir, Kinglassie, Fife
References:
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back