Small socketed axeheads from northern Britain

Abstract

In 2019 a miniature bronze socketed axehead was discovered near Morebattle, Scottish Borders. As such artefacts are rare finds in northern Britain, the opportunity has been taken to draw together the range of unusually small socketed axeheads recorded from Scotland and northern England, and to discuss them in their wider British context. For the first time, scientific techniques are applied to these objects, including optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis and computed X-radiography, to inform discussions of wear analysis, material composition, manufacture and chronology. The paper concludes with a discussion of the function and meaning of small socketed axeheads and their changing role over time. Canmore ID 25199 Canmore ID 55084 Canmore ID 69801 Canmore ID 11986