Battle axes

These three stone battle axes were found at Whitehall on Stronsay in Orkney, at Sandwick in Orkney and in Wick harbour in Caithness. They illustrate the stages in making a battle axe. All date from between 2000 and 1700 BC.

The distinctively shaped axeheads are known as bow-tie profile battle axes. They are in various degrees of workmanship. The top left is unfinished, without a central hole, while the top right is only partly perforated. The bottom one is finished.

Battle axes were adapted from Continental Europe around the time when metallurgy was introduced to Scotland. They were originally mounted on handles. Although they could have functioned as weapons, their main purpose was to be symbols of power.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-033-021-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.AH 175
• Date: Between 2000 and 1700 BC
  
• Material: Greenstone; deep incurving sides; partly perforated; polished
  Sandstone with quartz veins; unfinished; imperfect
  Stone; deep indentations on top and bottom edges
  Axe, battle
  Axe, battle
  Axe, battle
  
• Dimensions: 4.25" x 3.00"
  4.38" x 2.81" x 2.06"
  5.63" x 3.75" x 2.56"
  
• What: Axe, battle
  Axe, battle
  Axe, battle
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Caithness, Wick Harbour
  Scotland, Orkney, Sandwick
  Scotland, Orkney, Stronsay, Whitehall
  
• Event:
• Description: Unperforated bow-tie profile battle-axe with blades ground, from Whitehall, Stronsay, Orkney
  Bow-tie profile battle-axe with incipient perforations, from Sandwick, Orkney
  Finished bow-tie profile battle-axe, from Wick Harbour, Caithness
  
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