Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found at Darnhall at Eddleston in Peeblesshire. Socketed axeheads of this form and decoration occur mainly in eastern Scotland, especially around the river Tweed. This example dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The socketed axehead has a collar below which run three parallel ribs the length of the axehead. 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.

Socketed axeheads appear to have been invented on the Continent. They are part of a range of socketed tools and swords made by smiths requiring more complex casting techniques.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-676-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 1
• Date: 950 - 750 BC
  Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; raised lines on sides
  Axe, socketed
  
• Dimensions: 3.50" x 1.75"
  
• What: Axe, socketed
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Peeblesshire, Eddlestone, Darnhall Moss
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze socketed axe with raised lines on the side, from Darnhall Moss, Eddlestone, Peeblesshire, 950 - 750 BC
  
• 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 26-7, 71. 
• Translations:
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