Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found in Loch Drum in Aberdeenshire. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The socketed axehead is a form often termed a bag-shaped axe, characterised by a short body and wide blade, with an oval or slightly faceted body section. A wooden handle would have fitted into the axehead's socket. A thong could also have attached the axehead to the socket through the loop.

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

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-688-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 38
• Date: 950 - 750 BC
  Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Axe, socketed
  
• Dimensions: 2.50" x 2.25"
  
• What: Axe, socketed
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Kincardineshire, Loch Drum
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze socketed axe from Loch Drum, Kincardineshire, 950 - 750 BC
  
• 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. p 66. 
• Translations:
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