From Stittenham, Rosskeen, Ross-Shire
 000-100-034-219-C © National Museums Scotland |
|
Two halves of a steatite mould for casting axeheads
This steatite mould was found at Stittenham at Rosskeen in Ross-shire. It was used to cast bronze axeheads, sometime between 950 and 750 BC.
The well-preserved two-piece mould produced an axehead with loops on the socket, and decoration on each face. The channel for pouring in the metal at the top, and the holes for pegging the mould closed, are clearly visible.
Bronze objects could be made by melting bronze in a crucible in a furnace, and then casting it into shapes using moulds. At first, simple moulds were used for making flat objects. Later more complex moulds of clay and stone were developed.
Record details
To search on related items, click any linked text below.
Online ID: |
000-100-034-219-C |
Image Rights Holder: |
National Museums Scotland |
Project: |
0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project |
Ref: |
National Museums Scotland X.CM 52 |
Date: |
Between 950 and 750 BC
|
Material: |
Steatite; for a looped socketed axe; decorated on each face Steatite; for a looped socketed axe; decorated on each face
|
Dimensions: |
6.10" x 4.00" x 2.00" 6.10" x 4.00" x 2.00"
|
What: |
Mould / valve Mould / valve
|
Subject: |
|
Who: |
|
Where: |
Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Rosskeen, Stittenham Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Rosskeen, Stittenham
|
Event: |
|
Description: |
One of a pair of valves of a steatite mould for a looped socketed axe, decorated on each face, from Stittenham, Rosskeen One of a pair of valves of a steatite mould for a looped socketed axe, decorated on each face, from Stittenham, Rosskeen
|
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 37.
|
Translations: |
|
Related Records: |
|