The Celts were a collection of tribal groups with origins in central Europe as early as 1200 B.C. Living through the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age (700 BC – 400 AD), these tribes and their culture migrated and established their presence throughout western Europe, including Britain, Ireland, France and Spain. During this time, Celtic metalwork saw a rapid technological development. The manufacture of tools and weapons increased and specialised in producing equipment for shaving, woodworking, and metalworking. Axe heads such as this one would have been used primarily for clearing woodland and for shaping timber, but would also have proved useful in battles. They were widely distributed across Celtic territories, and have been mainly recovered in southern and western England, concentrating in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
To discover more about Celtic culture, please visit our relevant blog post: Bronze Age Britain.
