Description:

Western Europe, Southern Britain, Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, ca. 800 to 600 BCE. A socketed axe head cast from a lead-copper alloy, the mold seam visible along the upper edge, and both sides decorated with raised parallel lines. A loop for lashing to a wooden pole is set below the hafting socket. The surface is covered in a gorgeous green patina, the blade has very little signs of use, and the high percentage of lead tends to make metal too brittle to use. Researchers studying axe hoards in Dorset and Sompting have dubbed this type as "linear facetted axes" and believe they were buried shortly after casting, and perhaps these were used as offerings and symbolic means to store metal. Size: 4.25" L x 1.75" W (10.8 cm x 4.4 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Austin, Texas, USA collection, acquired in 2021 from Ancient & Oriental, London, UK.

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#188848

  • Condition: Some surface pitting, but intact and excellent. Nice patina to the surface and mineral deposits on the interior.

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September 13, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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