Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found near Tynehead in Midlothian. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The socketed axehead is a form often termed a bag 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.

A large number of socketed axeheads have been found in Scotland, most dating between 950 and 750 BC. Few moulds have been found, suggesting that they were made in two piece clay moulds which have not survived.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-697-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 68
• Date: 950 - 750 BC
  Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Axe, socketed
  
• Dimensions: 3.06" x 2.56"
  
• What: Axe, socketed
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Tynehead
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze socketed axe, from near Tynehead, Midlothian, 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 70. 
• Translations:
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