Halberd blades

Bronze Age halberds were dagger-like objects mounted at right angles to the haft. They were prestigious weapons which functioned as symbols of power. These copper examples were found in a hoard at Auchingoul at Inverkeithny in Banffshire.

The four halberds are all made of unalloyed copper, but differ slightly in shape, form and technique. One has rivet holes, three have well-developed midribs, two have bevelled edges, and one is ornamented with grooves down the blade.

The Auchingoul hoard originally held seven or eight halberds. They were probably deposited as a gift to the gods.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-034-383-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DJ 40
• Date: Between 2500 and 2300 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Bronze
  Bronze
  Bronze; one side of base a little broken
  Halberd
  Halberd
  Halberd
  Halberd
  
• Dimensions: 10.13" L; base 3.50" W
  10.69" L; base 4.06" W
  11.00" L x 3.25" max W; base 3.13" W
  11.50" L; base 3.88" max W
  
• What: Halberd
  Halberd
  Halberd
  Halberd
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Banffshire, Inverkeithny, Auchingoul
  Scotland, Banffshire, Inverkeithny, Auchingoul
  Scotland, Banffshire, Inverkeithny, Auchingoul
  Scotland, Banffshire, Inverkeithny, Auchingoul
  
• Event:
• Description: Early Bronze Age halberd from Auchingoul
  Early Bronze Age halberd from Auchingoul
  Early Bronze Age halberd from Auchingoul
  Early Bronze Age halberd from Auchingoul
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, Andrew (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 106, 300. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: