Dirk

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Early dirks were lethal stabbing weapons. This bronze example with a damaged butt was found at Den Shilt near Auchtermuchty in Fife. It dates from between 1300 and 1100 BC.

Middle Bronze Age dirk from Den Shilt, Fife

Daggers and spears were used both for warfare and for hunting. Over time, however, through improving metal technology, more efficient weapons were made. Dirks are generally more robust and larger than the earlier Bronze Age daggers they developed from.

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-371-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DJ 18
• Date: Between 1300 and 1100 BC
  Middle Bronze Age
  
• Material: Bronze; rapier-shaped; imperfect at butt
  
• Dimensions: 8.50" L
  
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• Where: Scotland, Fife, Auchtermuchty, Den Shilt
  
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• References:
  • Coles, J.M. Scottish Middle Bronze Age Metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland, 97 (1963-64), pp 82-156, esp. 111-4, 145. 
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