Sword

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This bronze sword is part of a hoard of metal weapons found at Atton at Glen Clova in Angus. All were prestigious weapons, probably buried as gifts to the gods, sometime between 950 and 750 BC.

The sword has a long blade designed for slashing. An organic handle was attached with rivets, two of which survive.

Technological advances in bronze casting in the late Bronze Age resulted in new and better weapons. Long slashing weapons could be used on foot or from horseback, and were prestigious weapons.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-723-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DQ 325
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; leaf-shaped; two rivets
  
• Dimensions: 21.50" L; blade 1.30" W
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: E. Gilchrist (Finder)
  Isobel Ross (Finder)
  Reverend J. Muir Haddow, F.S.A.Scot. (Finder?)
  Stewart Milne (Finder)
  
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Glen Clova, Atton
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze leaf-shaped sword from Atton, Glen Clova
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), 16-134, esp. pp 30, 82, 101-2. 
• Translations:
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