The Bronze Age

Axe-hammer, Kilgarth, Kildrochat

Period:

Bronze Age

Description:

A complete axe-hammer.  Found lying under a hedge.

 

Axe-hammers were in use between 2000Bc and 1500BC.  As the name suggests they combine an axe-like blade with a hammer-shaped end or butt.  They were mounted on a wooden handle which fitted into the hole in the centre of the tool.  No one really knows what axe-hammers were used for.  They may have been woodworking wedges, simple plough shares, weapons or symbols of power and prestige.  Large numbers of axe-hammers have been found in Dumfries and Galloway and there are particular concentrations in Nithsdale and the Wigtownshire Machars.

Place of Discovery:

Kilgarth, Kildrochat, Stoneykirk

Materials/Media:

Sandstone

Source:

Stranraer Museum

Accession number:

WIWMS 2005.72

Digital Number:

SMAH 010

Copyright:

Dumfries & Galloway Council

References:

Roe, F. 1967 ‘The Battle-Axes, Mace-Heads and Axe-Hammers from South-West Scotland’, Trans. Dumfriesshire & Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society, Vol. XLIV, p 57-80.