from near Inveraray, Argyll
000-100-033-037-C
© National Museums Scotland |
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Battle axehead
This stone battle axehead was found near Inveraray in Argyll. It dates from around 2000 to 1700 BC. Although battle axes could have been used as weapons, like recent Native American clubs, they were principally symbols of power, indicating high status.
This slender battle axehead has a squared-off butt and small, nipple-like projections on either side of the shafthole. The stone head would have been fixed onto the top of an organic handle by means of its shafthole.
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: |
000-100-033-037-C |
| Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
| Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
| Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.AH 74 |
| Date: |
Between 2000 and 1700 BC
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| Material: |
Granite; with small projection on each side opposite the haft hole; polished
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| Dimensions: |
5.75" x 1.81"
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| What: |
Axe, battle
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| Subject: |
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| Who: |
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| Where: |
Scotland, Argyll, Inveraray
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| Event: |
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| Description: |
Battle-axe of polished granite with a small projection on each side opposite the haft hole, from near Inveraray, Argyll
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| References: |
- Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies, Volume 2. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 67), 1988.
- Roe, F.E.S. The Battle-Axe series in Britain. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society, 32 (1966), 199-245.
- Roe, F.E.S. Typology of stone implements with shaftholes. In: Clough, T.H.McK. and Cummins, W.A. (eds). Stone Axe Studies. London: Council for British Archaeology (Research Report 23), 1979, pp 23-48.
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