European Bronze Age Socketed Axe Head
£ 480.00
A European Bronze Age socketed axe head featuring a trapezoidal blade. Its rounded body extends outwards to a convex cutting edge, whilst the socketed collar is strengthened by a thicker slightly uneven rim. The casting seam is visible to both the top and bottom of the axe from where the two pieces have been fixed together. A small loop has been attached to the rim and lower section of the axe used to secure the axe to a wooden shaft. There is also a perforated hole to one side. A beautiful blue patina covers the surface. The axe head is accompanied with a custom-made stand.
Measurements without the stand: Length 8.8cm x Width 5.4cm. Weight 99.3g.
Date: Circa 1200-800 BC
Period: Late Bronze Age
Provenance: Ex German Collection, Munich, 1990's.
Condition: Very Fine condition. Signs of wear, such as chips to the cutting edge and rim, and scratches to the surface. Earthly encrustations to the interior of the socket, and patination to the exterior surface.
In stock
European Bronze Age farmers differed from their stone-cutting predecessors – they used horses and chariots to work, kept flocks of sheep to make woollen clothing and used bronze as a standard commodity of exchange. The technological development that occurred in that time was rapid: the manufacture of tools and weapons increased and specialised equipment for shaving, woodworking and metalworking was created. Axes such as this one would have been used primarily for clearing woodland and for shaping timber but would also have proved useful in battles. Smaller axe heads would have been used for more delicate woodworking and other activities, such as butchering and hide-scraping. Weaponry such as axe heads were also buried with the deceased, hence their frequent occurrence in archaeological excavations of ancient cemeteries.
To discover more about Celtic culture, please visit our relevant blog post: Bronze Age Britain.
