From Skara Brae, Orkney

Miniature axeheads

These miniature axeheads were found at the site of the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in Orkney. The complete one on the left is of stone, and the fragment on the right is of flint. They were probably used as amulets, sometime between 3100 and 2400 BC.

The narrow-butted axehead on the left is straight-sided and nearly rectangular in cross-section. A stain left by its wooden haft is visible across its upper part.

Axeheads were symbols of power and prestige for a long period, probably with religious significance as well. They were sometimes used as offerings to the gods. Miniature examples were probably amulets, and remained popular for thousands of years.

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Online ID:	000-100-040-477-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.HA 626
Date:	3100 - 2400 BC Between 3100 and 2400 BC
Material:	Flint; reworked Stone; near rectangular in cross-section, narrow butted, straight sided
Dimensions:	1.30" L 1.80" L x 1.20" max W
What:	Axe Axe / fragment
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae Scotland, Orkney, Skaill, Skara Brae
Event:
Description:	Very small stone axe head, from Skara Brae Axe fragment of flint, miniature axe probably used as an amulet, from Skara Brae, between 3100 and 2400 BC
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