Axe-hammer, Balgowan, Kirkcolm
Balgowan, Kirkcolm
A complete axe-hammer made on a cobble of local sandstone.
It has a rounded butt, flat sides and a curved blade. The
surface has been ground and polished.
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.
Object no :
SMAH 014
Collection :
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
Length: 205mm; Width: 105mm; Breadth: 60mm
Materials :
Sandstone
Location :
Balgowan, Kirkcolm
Related site :
