Lot 163
Northern Europe, Britain, Norfolk, Bronze Age, ca. 700 BCE. A bronze axe head with a simple raised design around the butt and a raised half-ring on one side, found in Norfolk, a marshy area of eastern Britain that is known for its archaeological finds from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Axes like these were often buried together in hoards - indeed, one of the largest Bronze Age axe hoards ever found was spotted by some metal detectorists in Norfolk in October 2007. Axes of this type were fitted with wooden handles placed into the blunt end of the axe and lashed in place with some kind of binding material. This axe most likely was made only for votive purpose; it shows no signs of use. Chemical analysis of similarly pristine axes suggest that they were made with high percentages of tin and lead, which makes for shiny, but brittle, axes. This information has led archaeologists to believe that they served a religious or ritual function. Size: 1.8" W x 3.9" H (4.6 cm x 9.9 cm)
Provenance: Ex-Estate of John Piscopo. Mr. Piscopo was one of the largest collectors of ancient weapons in the US with a collection that spanned all cultures, all ages.
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#116650
- Condition: Slight wear to edge of blade; fine smooth patina, with excellent shape.
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