from Bell's Mill, Dean, Edinburgh
000-100-082-618-C
© National Museums Scotland |
|
Axehead
This bronze axehead is from a hoard of five found in the water of Leith near Bell's Mill at Dean in Edinburgh. The hoard was buried between 950 and 750 BC.
The socketed axehead has a long octagonal body decorated with parallel lines. Unlike many socketed axeheads, it does not have a loop which helped tie the axehead to the wooden handle. The handle would have fitted into the axehead's socket.
Axeheads were symbols of power and prestige for a long period, probably with religious significance as well. They were sometimes buried or deposited in watery places as offerings to the gods.
Record details
To search on related items, click any linked text below.
| Online ID: |
000-100-082-618-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.DE 18 |
| Date: |
Between 950 and 750 BC
|
| Material: |
Bronze; ornamented with parallel lines; without loop
|
| Dimensions: |
5.00" x 2.13"
|
| What: |
Axe, socketed
|
| Subject: |
|
| Who: |
|
| Where: |
Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Dean, Bell's Mills
|
| Event: |
|
| Description: |
Bronze socketed axe ornamented with parallel lines, without loop, from Bell's Mills, Dean, Edinburgh
|
| References: |
- Coles, John M. Scottish late Bronze Age metalwork: typology, distributions and chronology. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 93 (1959-1960), pp 16-134, esp. pp 116-7.
|
| Translations: |
|
| Related Records: |
|
