Axehead

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

The socketed axehead has a square socket and squarish cutting edge. Three thin decorative ribs run below a moulding which joins to the top of the loop. 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.

The range of metal objects expanded during the 2nd millennium BC. A development in the form of axeheads from flat axeheads to ones with flanges, can be seen. In the 1st millennium BC, socketed axeheads are the most common form.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-710-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 122
• Date: 950 - 750 BC
  Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; loop; square socket; squarish cutting edge; three thin decorative lines on each face
  Axe, socketed
  
• Dimensions: 3.50" L x 1.8"; 1.50" x 1.60" (socket)
  
• What: Axe, socketed
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ayrshire, Maybole (Near Maybole)
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze socketed axe with a square socket, squarish cutting edge and three thin decorative lines on each face, from near Maybole, Ayrshire, 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 67. 
• Translations:
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