Axehead

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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: 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
  Axe, flat
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
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