Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found at Harlaw Moor in Peeblesshire. It dates from between 2050 and 1800 BC.

The axehead has hammered flanges and a narrow butt. Like a number of axeheads of this form, it is decorated, here on both faces with a chevron pattern which is now quite worn.

Bronze Age axeheads were hafted in L-shaped pieces of wood. The short arm was split to hold the axehead which was then tied into position. The hammered flanges helped prevent the axehead slipping sideways.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-255-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 68
• Date: Between 2050 and 1800 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; chevron decoration on both sides, much worn
  Axe, flat
  
• Dimensions: 5.63" x 2.88"
  
• What: Axe, flat
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Peeblesshire, Harlaw Moor
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze flat axe with much worn chevron decoration on both sides, from Harlaw Moor, Peeblesshire
  
• References:
  • 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, 84. 
• Translations:
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