Axehead

This bronze axehead was found at Ladyrigg at Ancrum in Roxburghshire. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The axehead has a socket and a loop. It has a faceted, broad baggy body with a flared trumpet-shaped mouth. The surface has a series of long, deep scratches. 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 development of two piece moulds allowed the manufacture of socketed tools and weapons. Few moulds have been found, but workshops have rarely been excavated. Clay moulds were probably the most common, but since they can only be used once, they were discarded after casting.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-308-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.DE 74
Date:	Between 950 and 750 BC
Material:	Bronze
Dimensions:	3.50" x 2.25"
What:	Axe, socketed
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Roxburghshire, Ancrum, Ladyrigg
Event:
Description:	Bronze socketed axe with loop on one side, from Ladyrigg, Ancrum, Roxburghshire
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 73.
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