European Bronze Age Small Socketed Axe Head

£ 145.00

A small Bronze Age socketed axe head which features a trapezoidal blade with broad side facets which taper in to a gently curved cutting edge. Raised vertical ribs adorn either side of the blade towards the collar and rounded socket. Due to the size of the axe, the weapon was most likely intended for a votive purpose. A lustrous patina covers the piece with some minor scratches and indentations consistent with age.

Date: Circa 1st Millennium BC
Provenance: Ex Kuizenga collection, The Netherlands, formed from 1970’s onwards.
Condition: Fine condition. Patination and minor scratching to the surface. A small piercing is visible to the top and bottom of the axe.

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European metalwork saw rapid technological development. The manufacture of tools and weapons increased and specialised in producing equipment for shaving, woodworking, and metalworking. Palstaves would have been used primarily for clearing woodland and for shaping timber, but would also have proved useful in battles. However, the small size of this example suggests that it would have performed a votive or ceremonial role. Model axes are one of the most common votive objects found in archaeological sites, suggesting that they held a religious or superstitious meaning.

To discover more about Celtic culture, please visit our relevant blog post:Bronze Age Britain

Weight 86.51 g
Dimensions L 5.6 x W 3.2 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item please see:The British Museum, Item 1998,0901.11

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