Palstave Axe Head (bronze/copper-alloy)

3D Model

**Copper-alloy, c. 1300BC. **

Found locally in 2017 as part of a treasure horde containing 17 ingot fragments and pieces of casting waste, dated to the Ewart Park phase (1000-800BC). The axe was thus likely part of a store of metallic wealth when it was buried many centuries after production - the abraded, slightly asmmetrical edge evidences use.

Such axes can be dated by their typology. Fitted to a wooden stave (hence the name) and split at the top to fit the inserts, the loop could secure the head further with twine as well as being a stylistic touch. The axe could be used as a versatile tool for tasks such as chopping or splitting wood, cutting game as a signifier of wealth and status and for occasional military use.

The vivid green-blue patina was caused by different elements within the composition - the copper quantity of such objects often comprised ~90%. Read more about the hoard’s composition.

Photogrammetry and pXRF kindly provided by [SHArD 3D Lab], University of Exeter.