Halberd

Add to album

Bronze Age halberds were dagger-like objects mounted at right angles to the haft. This bronze example is one of three found together at Kingarth in Bute. The hoard was buried between 2300 and 2000 BC.

The blade has a midrib, but is missing its tip and edges. There is one rivet hole where the blade attached to the haft.

Halberds were unambiguous weapons, and clearly served a ceremonial purpose. Over 40 are known from Scotland, varying in shape and size, though most have a midrib and rivet holes. Most are from single finds, though four hoards containing only halberds are known.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-100-034-367-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DJ 10
• Date: Between 2300 and 2000 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; broad
  
• Dimensions: 11.00" L
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Bute, Kingarth
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze halberd from Kingarth, Bute
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 35-40, 87, 105. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: