Axehead

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This bronze axehead was probably near Duns in Berwickshire. It dates from between 950 and 750 BC.

The socketed axehead is a form often termed a bag-shaped axe, characterised by a short body and wide blade, with an oval or slightly faceted body section. It is in poor condition, with a pitted surface covered with a thick dark green patina.

Socketed axeheads appear to have been invented on the Continent. Bag-shaped axes are common in Ireland. A curved wooden handle would have fitted into the axehead's socket. A thong could also have attached the axehead to the socket through the loop.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-704-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DE 96
• Date: 950 - 750 BC
  Between 950 and 750 BC
  
• Material: Bronze; oval socket encircled at lip with slight moulding; thick dark green patina, much pitted
  Axe, socketed
  
• Dimensions: 3.50" L x 2.56"
  
• What: Axe, socketed
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Berwickshire, Duns (Near Duns)
  
• Event:
• Description: Bronze socketed axe covered with a thick dark green patina and with an oval socket encircled at the lip with a slight moulding, from near Duns, Berwickshire, 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. p 68. 
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