Axehead

Add to album

This bronze axehead was found on the edge of Cauldshiels Loch in Roxburghshire. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The socketed axehead has a collar below which run three parallel ribs. 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

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-104-699-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 76
• Date: 950 - 750 BC
  Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; loop on one side; moulding beneath rim of socket from which depend three vertical lines
  Axe, socketed
  
• Dimensions: 3.00" L x 2.25" H
  
• What: Axe, socketed
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Cauldshiels Loch
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze socketed axe with a loop on one side and a moulding beneath the rim of the socket from which depend three vertical relief markings, from Cauldshiels Loch, Roxburghshire, 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 72. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: