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Description: | Incomplete decorated flat axe of Early Bronze Age date (c. 2000 - 1700 BC). Although incomplete this axe best fits into the final phases of the Migdale metalworking tradition Type: Migdale - decorated variant. However, it does share some of the characteristics (mostly of blade shape) of the Developed Flat Axes specifically variants Falkland and Scrabo Hill. These are dated to the Early Bronze Age (EBA phase II / III), of metalworking stage IV-VI, which corresponds to Needham's (1996) Period 2-3 circa 2250 - 1900 CAL. BC. The flat axe is broadly sub rectangular in plan with a splayed crescent shaped blade. In profile it is broadly lentoid, with slight tapering edges. In cross section the axe is D shaped with one edge displaying a distinctive curved (domed edge) whilst the opposite is relatively flat. It is likely that this is caused by the axe being cast in an open stone mould. There is a large horizontal break toward the butt of the axe approximately 3/4s of the axe survives. The break is relatively jagged and uneven; however it has a similar patina to that of the rest of the axe - suggesting damage in antiquity. The overall length is 110.4mm and the axe weighs 417 grams. The butt and small section of the upper part of the axe is missing. The sides of the axe gently expand in width from the broken edge to the blade. The edges of the axe have not been raised to form flanges; however a slight median bevel (proto stop ridge) is present on both faces of the axe. This has been formed from hammering and small oval shaped (dished) scars can be seen on both faces where the metal has been worked to form them. The ridge itself is not especially prominent. The width at the median bevel is 41.6mm (thickness 12.7mm). Below the bevel the sides continue to expand. The area between the median ridge and junction with the blade facet is decorated on both faces of the axe. The decoration is formed from a series of parallel linear lentoid lozenges. This form of decoration is known as rain-pattern and is common on the later decorated examples of the Migdale tradition. The decoration is best observed under a raking light. It is bordered by the median ridge and the blade facet. Both the sides of the axe are decorated with a series of cabled decoration. This has been formed by hammering and survives better on one side where three distinct facets of the cabling can be seen. Beneath the rain pattern decoration the sides of the blade expand to produce a crescentic blade edge with a width of 89.3mm. The tips of the crescent shaped blade have been damaged through abrasion, as has the blade edge itself. A distinct blade facet is not present. There are a series of striations (incised lines / file marks) running across the width of the axe. These are likely to be a result of sharpening the cutting edge. The axe is a mid brown colour with a highly polished patina, which has been damaged in areas. Where this had occurred it is probably as a direct result of movement in the plough soil. This abrasion is most evident of the blade of the axe. There are, however, a series of large scars which have removed areas of decoration. Where this damage has occurred a light grey green powdery corrosion is evident. The axehead is best described as coming from the later phases of the Migdale tradition (specifically the decorated variant) dated: 2250-1900 CAL. BC / end of EBA II - III. However, this example also bears some similarities in blade shape to the Developed Early Bronze Age Axes specifically variants Falkland and Scrabo Hill. This would suggest that this example is dated to the very final phases of the Migdale tradition. A good comparison to the style of decoration can be seen in the Burgess and Schmidt Catalogue of the Axes if Northern Britain from Cuminstone (Cat No: 205). This axehead forms part of the corpus of earliest bronze axes of Britain. They are dated to the same period as Beaker pottery, barbed and tanged flint arrowheads, copper halberds and gold lunulae.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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