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Axehead

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from the Eildon Hills, Roxburghshire

Postcard of Axehead.
000-100-034-225-C
© National Museums Scotland

Axehead

This bronze axehead was found under a cairn in the Eildon Hills in Roxburghshire. It may be part of a hoard which also contained at least a bronze spearhead. It dates from between 2050 and 1800 BC.

The flat axehead has hammered flanges and a slight swelling at the middle of the axe face. Like a number of axeheads of this form, it is decorated, here on both faces with a 'rain' pattern.

A large number of bronze axeheads dating to the Early Bronze Age have been found. Some were clearly everyday objects, used to chop trees and other woodwork. Other, like this one, were prestige objects, and must have been symbols of power.


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Online ID: 000-100-034-225-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 9
Date: Between 2050 and 1800 BC
Material: Bronze; slightly raised edges
Dimensions: 7.00" x 3.00"
What: Axe, flat
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Eildon
Event:
Description: Bronze flat axe from under a cairn in the Eildon Hills, Roxburghshire
References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, p 305. 
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 10-5, 85, 108. 
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