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Description: | An incomplete copper alloy miniature socketed axehead, of uncertain dating, but probable Late Bronze Age to Roman (1150 BC to AD 410).The axe is rectangular in plan with slightly concave parallel sides. The blade edge and blade tips are rounded, but not flared. The socket mouth has a rectangular internal edge, the exterior forms a asymmetrical rectangle with convex edges, particularly on narrow edge. In profile the axe an elongated triangle. No casting seam is visible. One profile face has a sub circular loop. This loop measures 7.5 mm in length, 4.4 mm wide and 2.2 mm thick. The hole has an internal diameter of 2.3 mm. The axe measures 18.6 mm long, 12.6 mm wide and 8.3 mm thick. It weighs 4.7g. The interior of the mouth socket measures 3.7 mm long and 4.0 mm wide. The socket is 4.0 mm deep. The blade is 1.2 mm thick.The dating of miniature axeheads is from the Late Bronze Age to the Roman period, although they are more common from the Roman period. Their function is probably as an amulet or votive. This example is more faithful to Late Bronze Age socketed axeheads than miniature axeheads usually are, and the heavy patina supports this. But Kiernan (Kiernan, P. 2009 Miniature Votive Offerings in the Roman North West Verlag p. 145-7) highlights the possible link between the 're-use of prehistoric axes in Roman period sanctuaries, and the dedication of miniature axes.' He lists Roman sanctuary sites which have produced prehistoric axes, some of which include miniautes axes as Richborough, Nettleton, Wycomb, and Silchester (ibid: 146). Several similar votive axeheads have been recorded on the PAS database, including: WAW-80FB93; IOW-E2E708; DOR-67F865 and DUR-35C6C8.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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