Axehead

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This bronze axehead is one of two found on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh during the construction of the Queen's Drive in 1863. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The axehead has a square section and a double moulding near the socket. A wooden handle would have fitted into the axehead's socket. A thong could also have attached the axehead to the socket through the loop.

A large number of socketed axeheads have been found in Scotland, most dating between 950 and 750 BC. Few moulds have been found, suggesting that they were made in two piece clay moulds which have not survived.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-082-616-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 16
• Date: Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze
  Axe, socketed
  
• Dimensions: 3.50" x 1.75"
  
• What: Axe, socketed
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze socketed axe from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
  
• 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. pp 115-6. 
• Translations:
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