![Postcard of Battle axehead.](/database/media.php?file=postcard/image/0504/05041687.jpg&PHPSESSID=fh9dsa6rd5q2c3uu026namb730) 000-180-001-687-C © National Museums Scotland |
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Battle axehead
This stone battle axehead of granite was found near Stirling. Although it could have functioned as a weapon, its main purpose was to be a symbol of power. It dates from between 1750 and 1400 BC.
The battle axehead is of weathered granite. It has a broad blade and flat butt. The cutting edge is blunt.
Battle axe use was adopted from the Continent in the centuries before 2000 BC. Battle axes remained a popular status symbol for around 1000 years. Their heads were often made of beautiful and hard-to-work stone, and their shape changed according to fashions over the centuries.
Record details
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Online ID: |
000-180-001-687-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.AH 62 |
Date: |
Between 1750 and 1400 BC
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Material: |
Granite; cutting edge blunt; weathered
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Dimensions: |
4.13" x 2.69"
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What: |
Axe, battle
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Subject: |
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Who: |
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Where: |
Scotland, Stirlingshire, Stirling
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Event: |
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Description: |
Battle-axe of weathered granite, from near Stirling
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References: |
- Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies, Volume 2. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 67), 1988.
- Fenton, M.B. The petrological identification of stone battle axes and axe-hammers from Scotland. In: Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 67), 1988, pp 92-132.
- Roe, F.E.S. The Battle-Axe series in Britain. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 32 (1966), 199-245.
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