Axe-hammer, Wigtownshire

Wigtownshire
A complete axe-hammer on a cobble of local sandstone.  This implement was discovered in Wigtownshire but its actual find-spot is unknown.   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 012
Collection :
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
Length: 285mm; Width: 90mm; Thickness: 90mm
Materials :
Sandstone (Greywacke)
Location :
Wigtownshire
Related site :
You must enable javascript to view this website