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Axehead

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from Hill of Fortrie, Balnoon, Banffshire

Postcard of Axehead.
000-190-004-225-C
© National Museums Scotland

Axehead

This bronze axehead is the only surviving axehead in a hoard of around eight found under a mound at Hill of Fortrie at Balnoon in Banffshire. The axehead is broken, perhaps deliberately as a sacrifice to the gods. It dates from between 2250 and 1900 BC.

The flat axehead is the most common form in the Early Bronze Age. As with most flat axeheads, it is undecorated. However, it was tinned to give it a shiny appearance.

Some axeheads were symbols of power over long periods. Tinning was a technique used by the early metalworkers of north-east Scotland to make axeheads extra special.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-004-225-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 38
Date: 2250 - 1900 BC
Between 2250 and 1900 BC
Material: Bronze; tin coating
Dimensions: 6 x 3.25"
What: Axe, flat
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Inverkeithny, Balnoon, Hill of Fortrie
Event:
Description: Axehead of bronze, from Hill of Fortrie, Balnoon, Banffshire, 2250 - 1900 BC
References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 15-26, 81, 104. 
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