Battle-axe from Longhope, Hoy, Orkney

3D Model

ABDUA:14301. University Museums Collections Centre, Marischal College, University of Aberdeen.

This early Bronze Age (c2300-1600 BC) ‘Developed’ battle-axe is a distinctive variant form found in Northern Britain that exhibits an extreme expansion of the blade edge. Battle-axes are rare on Orkney, with only 11 examples known; this is the largest example and one of the finest. Although well shaped and polished, this example is considered unfinished as the perforation has not been completed and the concave surfaces have not been fully ground and polished.

This artefact was acquired in 1921 for the Marshall Collection that formed part of the Marischal College Museum, Aberdeen. It was found in Longhope, Hoy, but no details are known regarding its discovery. Only three battle-axes from Orkney have been recovered from archaeological contexts; all three were found in graves.

Weight: 1061g. L: 162mm, B: 67.5mm, T: 101.6mm

Copyright: University of Aberdeen.