Axehead

Add to album

This tinned bronze axehead was found in a cairn at Upper Towie in Aberdeenshire. It is an example of the most common form of flat bronze axehead from the Early Bronze Age, found throughout Scotland. It dates from between 2250 and 1900 BC.

However, it was tinned which would have given it a shiny silvery appearance.

Axeheads were symbols of power and prestige for a long period, probably with religious significance as well. Tinning was a technique used by the early metalworkers to make axeheads extra special.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-100-034-278-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 103
• Date: Between 2250 and 1900 BC
  
• Material: Tin bronze
  Palstave
  
• Dimensions: 7.06" L x 4.13"
  
• What: Palstave
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Upper Towie
  
• Event:
• Description: Tin bronze palstave from a cairn above Upper Towie
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 15-26, 80. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: