Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found with other bronze objects, including possibly another axehead, during ploughing of a field at Camptown near Haddington in East Lothian. It dates from between 2250 and 1900 BC

The flat axehead is the most common form in the Early Bronze Age. As with most flat axeheads, it is undecorated. However, it may have been tinned to give it a shiny silver appearance.

Axeheads were symbols of power and prestige for a long period, probably with religious significance as well. Tinning was a technique used by the early metalworkers to make axeheads extra special.

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-043-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 29
• Date: 2250 - 1900 BC
  Between 2250 and 1900 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; probably tinned
  Axe, flat
  
• Dimensions: 4.75 x 2.75"
  
• What: Axe, flat
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Haddington, Camptoun
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze flat axe from Camptown, Haddington, East Lothian, 2250 - 1900 BC
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 15-26, 82, 105. 
• Translations:
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