23. Bronze Age Looped and Socketed Axe

C. 8th Century BC

A late Bronze Age axe, circa 8th Century BC. A fine example of its type with the most wonderful patina!

Bronze Age axes appear frequently in the archaeological record and are popular antiquities for sale to collectors. They span the Bronze Age, changing in size and form throughout the period.

Condition: Excellent.

Dimensions: 13cm x 3.6cm approx.

Provenance: Ex, UK auction house, previously private collection, UK.

SOLD

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Bronze Age Axes

Bronze Age axes appear frequently in the archaeological record and are popular antiquities for sale to collectors. They span the Bronze Age, changing in size and form throughout the period. They begin as flat axes, developing into palstaves and eventually socketed axes.

They are made from copper-alloy in a mould that produced a hollow socket. The socket helped to attach the axe firmly to a wooden shaft from which it was wielded. Internal ridges prevented the wooden shaft from turning in the socket. The hole in the axe was used to bind the axe tightly to the shaft.

Most of these axes would have been used as modern axes - as a tool for chopping wood and other organic materials. Some are described as ingots (when found in hoards) and also as votive offerings.