Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found in Aberdeenshire. Axeheads of this form are some of the earliest examples of cast flanged axeheads in Scotland. This example dates from around 1750 to 1450 BC.

The flanged axehead has parallel sides extending from a squared butt until near the end, where the sides are sharply splayed to give a broad blade. It has a stop-ridge in the middle.

Bronze Age axeheads were hafted in L-shaped pieces of wood. The short arm was split to hold the axehead which was then tied into position. The flanges helped stop the axehead from slipping sideways in the haft while the stop-ridge prevented the haft from slipping down the tool.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-065-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DC 88
• Date: 1750 - 1450 BC
  Between 1750 and 1450 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Axe, flanged
  
• Dimensions: 4.75" x 2.44"
  
• What: Axe, flanged
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze flanged axe from Aberdeenshire, 1750 - 1450 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 26-9, 80. 
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