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Description: | A complete cast copper alloy miniature or votive axe, of Roman dating (AD 150-250).The axe consists of a triangular (wedge) shaped head, with a circular sectioned shaft. The base of the shaft ends with a globular knop. The top of the shaft (where it extends from the top of the axe blade) is square in section. Pseudo-binding marks, imitating leather or cord-binding occur on one side of the axe blade, in the form of an incised saltire or diagonal cross.The axe measures 27.53 mm in length, 20.04 mm wide and 6.80 mm thick. It weighs 6.7 grams.The axe is a mid green to brown colour, with an even surface patina.Several similar miniature or votive axes have been recorded on the PAS database, including SUR-E5C486, NARC-EED971 and NMS-796911.Green (1981, 258) suggests that in a Romano-Celtic context, votive axes may have been good luck charms, although it should be remembered that interpreting their ritual function is difficult and this is just one possibility for their use.Reference:Green, M. 1981. Model Objects from Military areas of Roman Britain. Britannia. 12. 253-269
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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