Axe-hammer, Culmore, Stoneykirk

Culmore, Stoneykirk
A complete axe-hammer made on a cobble of local sandstone.  This object is part of the Anderson Collection.   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 013
Collection :
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
Length: 280mm; Width: 113mm; Shaft-hole diameter: 52mm
Materials :
Sandstone (Greywacke)
Location :
Culmore, Stoneykirk
Accession number :
WIWMS 1945.01
Copyright :
Dumfries & Galloway Council
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