Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found near Nairn in Highland. It dates from between 2250 and 1900 BC.

Some axeheads are of inordinate size - but these are quite rare. This flat axehead is decorated with four rows of punch marks arranged in a chevron-like pattern parallel to the edges. This axehead is one of the largest.

A large number of bronze axeheads dating to the Early Bronze Age have been found. Some were clearly everyday objects, used to chop trees and for other woodworking. Other, like this one of unusually large size, were prestige objects, and must have been symbols of power.

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-224-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 8
• Date: Between 2250 and 1900 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; chevron-like pattern of punch marks parallel to edges
  Axe, flat
  
• Dimensions: 10.75" x 6.00" x 0.38"
  
• What: Axe, flat
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Highland, Nairn
  
• Event:
• Description: Massive bronze flat axe decorated with four rows of punch marks arranged in a chevron-like pattern parallel to the edges, found near Nairn
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 10-5, 84. 
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