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Description: | An incomplete hand made iron arrowhead dating to the medieval period. The arrow is socketed, with a long socket of c. 45mm, and has a barbed head with a noticeable medial longitudinal spine. In profile it takes the shape of a circle with triangular protrusions on either side. Jessop (1997, 3) notes that this is a 'relatively simple design', the central spine providing 'improved lateral strength and aerodynamic properties'. The tips of the barbs have suffered abrasions, as has the terminal of the socket. This form is that described by Roger Ascham in 1545 as the 'broad head' or 'swallow tail' (Borg 1991, 79). Borg (ibid., 79) argues that medieval arrowheads are difficult to classify, not least because they were hand made and thus all slightly different. Indeed, this example resists simple classification by the typology suggested by Jessop (1996). Broadheads were used for multiple purposes in the medieval period - hunting and military - with larger forms generally perceived as having been used in hunting (see for example Jessop 1996, 196). In form this example bears a resemblance to one of Jessop's (1996, 194, 197) multi-purpose forms (MP8), although it is larger than the MP8 examples that he lists. In its size it is closer to Jessop's (1996, 194, 200) hunting form 3, if not in form. In short, it is best to describe this as a larger broadhead type capable of more than one purpose, but tending towards use in hunting. As both Jessop's forms MP8 and H3 can be dated approximately to the mid 13th century such a date is suggested for this artefact. | Subjects: | broadhead | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Webley, Robert - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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ARROWHEAD
Incomplete socketed Medieval iron arrowhead,…
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