Miniature axeheads

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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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-040-477-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: 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
  Axe
  Axe / fragment
  
• 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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