Axe-hammer, Blairbuy, Monreith
Blairbuy, Monreith
A complete axe-hammer with convex faces and convex sides and
butt. Found on the farm of Blairbuy sometime before 1950, it
was used for many years as an ornament or oddity outside the
farmhouse door.
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 011
Collection :
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
Length: 170mm; width: 90mm; Height: 80mm
Materials :
Sandstone
Location :
Blairbuy, Monreith
Accession number :
WIWMS 2002.15
Copyright :
Dumfries & Galloway Council
