Dirk or halberd

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This bronze weapon found at Arieland Moss near Kelton in Kirkcudbrightshire may be a dirk or a slightly atypical halberd. It probably dates from between 2300 and 2000 BC.

The blade has a broad but faint midrib, and is missing its tip. There are one complete and three broken rivet holes round the semicircular butt.

Early dirks were lethal stabbing weapons, while halberds were were dagger-like objects mounted at right angles to the haft. Many were had ceremonial functions.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-188-289-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DJ 41
• Date: Between 2300 and 2000 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Dagger
  
• Dimensions: 5.10" L x 1.85" max W
  
• What: Dagger
  
• Subject:
• Who: Joseph Train (Collector)
  
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Kelton
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze dagger from Kelton, Kirkcudbrightshire
  
• References:
  • Coles, J.M. Scottish Middle Bronze Age Metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland, 97 (1963-64), pp 82-156, esp. 111-4, 145. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: