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
Accession number :
WIWMS 1988.200
Copyright :
Dumfries & Galloway Council
