Although some Bronze Age spearheads were intended for practical use as weapons in war and hunting, archaeologists believe that some were designed as religious offerings. Spearheads of all types were attached into long handles (normally of ash or pinewood), with those functioning as votive offerings usually thrown into bodies of water. Indeed, several Bronze Age spearheads have been uncovered in the River Thames. Size gives the best indication as to a spearhead’s intended use: smaller spearheads tended to be projectile weapons, whereas larger ones were thrusting weapons. The largest of spearheads were probably the ceremonial ones, on account of their impractical size, with decoration and barbs serving as further indications of their ritual purpose.
To discover more about Celtic culture, please visit our relevant blog post: Bronze Age Britain.
