Axehead

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This bronze axehead was found at Abdie in Fife, probably in a hoard containing at least one other axehead. It was buried, probably as a gift to the gods, sometime between 2250 and 1900 BC.

The sides of the flat axehead have been hammered into three facets. It is damaged at the cutting edge and broken across the middle. This side has been tinned to give it a shiny appearance.

Axeheads were symbols of power and prestige for a long period, probably with religious significance as well. Tinning was a technique used by the early metalworkers to make axeheads extra special.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-004-226-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.DA 62
• Date: Between 2250 and 1900 BC
  Early Bronze Age
  
• Material: Bronze; slightly imperfect at cutting edge; fractured across middle; tinning on one face
  Axe, flat
  
• Dimensions: 5.88" x 3.25"
  
• What: Axe, flat
  
• Subject:
• Who: Sturrock Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Fife, Abdie
  
• Event:
• Description: Early Bronze Age flat axe, fractured across middle, showing tinning on one face, from Abdie, Fife
  
• References:
  • Coles, John M. Scottish Early Bronze Age metalwork. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 101 (1968-9), 1-110, esp. pp 15-26, 34, 82, 105. 
• Translations:
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