Axehead of bronze

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This bronze axehead was found at Sluie in Moray in a hoard, together with another axehead and a halberd. The hoard was buried sometime between 2250 and 1950 BC.

The surface of the axehead had been tinned, giving it a distinctive silvery appearance.

Tinned axeheads were a speciality of the earliest Scottish metalworking industry in the North East. They were prestigious and valuable possessions.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-034-236-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 32
• Date: Between 2250 and 1950 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; tin coating
  Axe, flat
  
• Dimensions: 6.00" x 3.25"
  
• What: Axe, flat
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Moray, Edenkillie, Sluie
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze flat axe with a coating of tin, from a hoard found at Sluie, Moray
  
• 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. 180-1, 303-4. 
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