Record

Axehead

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from Benachie, Aberdeenshire

Postcard of Axehead.
000-190-004-756-C
© National Museums Scotland

Axehead

This bronze axehead was found at Benachie in Aberdeenshire. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The socketed axehead is a form often termed a bag-shaped axe, characterised by a short body and wide blade. The oval-shaped socket is surrounded by two mouldings. 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.

Socketed axeheads appear to have been invented on the Continent. They are part of a range of socketed tools and swords made by smiths requiring more complex casting techniques.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-004-756-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 92
Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 3.38" L x 2.25"
What: Axe, socketed
Subject:
Who:
Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Benachie
Event:
Description: Bronze socketed axe, the socket oval shaped inside and vesica shaped outside and surrounded by two mouldings, from Benachie, Aberdeenshire
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 66. 
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