Battle axe of stone

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This stone battle axe was found at Sandmill Farm at Stranraer in Wigtownshire, in an urn containing a whetstone, two further whetstones or metalworker's cushion stones, a razor, a bone pin and cremated human remains.

The stone battle axe is decorated, with an expanded cutting edge.

The Sandmill group represents an unusually rich set of grave goods. The items had been kept separate from the funeral pyre (except for the pin, used to fasten a funeral garment), and added to the funerary urn after the remains had cooled.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-035-954-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EQ 486
• Date: Between 1900 and 1600 BC
  
• Material: Lava
  Axe, battle
  
• Dimensions: 4.63" L; waist 1.25" W; 2.75" across cutting edge
  
• What: Axe, battle
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stranraer, Sandmill Farm
  
• Event:
• Description: Battle-axe of lava from Sandmill Farm, Stranraer, Wigtownshire
  
• 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 295-6. 
• Translations:
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