SPEAR

Incomplete cast bronze spearhead of Early Bronze Age, Arreton Down Metalworking Tradition (1650 BC - 1500 BC). Length 98mm, maximum width 17.5mm, maximum thickness 5mm. Weight 10.84g.

The implement, symmetrical in plan, is described with the blade at the top and the tang at the bottom. The blade, 61mm in length, is shaped like a lanceolate leaf. From a pointed tip it flares evenly outwards and downwards towards a rounded base. On both faces of the blade, a longitudinal mid-rib extends from the tip to the base. The sides of the ribs are roughly parallel and both have flattened surfaces. The tang, 37mm in length, is an extension of the mid-rib. It tapers from 6.5mm in width at the base of the blade to 3mm in width at the attachment end where there is an old abraded break. A 5mm length of the tang at its junction with the blade is in the form of a swelling which is sub-circular in cross-section and has a maximum diameter of 6.5mm. The remainder of the tang is rectangular in cross-section. At the attachment end of the tang, on the front and rear faces, there is a shallow central longitudinal groove which may have been created as a result of an imperfection in the mould. The piece is in fair condition and has small areas of superficial corrosion, although the majority of the surfaces have a mid to dark green patina.