Record ID: NMGW162 - BRONZE AGE socketed axehead

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Socketed axehead

Unique ID: NMGW162

Object type certainty: Certain

Blade end fragment of a Late Bronze Age socketed axe. The absence of the socket and loop end precludes a precise ascription to type; however, the presence of three parallel ribs on both faces of the axe suggests that it is either of South Wales/Stogursey Type (Needham 1981) or of related hybrid type. The axe fragment is misshapen, apparently through impact with a blunted object in antiquity. Both faces have been struck, leading to marked denting at the upper end of the fragment. The artefact has a light green patina and a well worn surface, possibly representing damage through long term survival within plough-soil. Maximum surviving length 52mm, blade width 44.5mm, weight 98.0 grams.

Notes:

South Wales Type socketed axes and related types belong to the Ewart Park phase of the British Late Bronze Age (Needham 1981, 32-37). In recent times, this phase has been radiocarbon dated to 1020-800BC cal (Needham et al. 1997; Needham 1996). Over one hundred and twenty axes of South Wales Type are now known from South and West Wales, including axes from within twenty one hoards. Examples of South Wales Type axe hoards within the National Collection of Wales include St.Mellons, Cardiff (Stanton 1984), Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan (Savory 1980, no.281) and Penwyllt, Ystradgynlais, Powys (Savory 1980, no.284).

Class: South Wales/Stogursey Type

Subsequent actions

Current location of find: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: BRONZE AGE
Period from: BRONZE AGE [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Date from: 1020 BC
Date to: 800 BC

Dimensions and weight

Length: 52 mm
Width: 44.5 mm
Weight: 98 g
Quantity: 1

Materials and construction

Manufacture method: Cast [scope notes | view all attributed records]
Completeness: Fragment [scope notes | view all attributed records]

Spatial data

Region: Wales
County: Newport
District: Newport
To be known as: Near Newport, South Wales

Method of discovery: Metal detector [scope notes]
General landuse: Grassland, Heathland [scope notes]
Specific landuse: Regularly improved [scope notes]

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 2nd October 1999

Personal details

Found by: This information is restricted for your login.
Recorded by: Adam Gwilt - [ view all attributed records]
Identified by: Adam Gwilt - [view all attributed records]

Other reference numbers

Other reference: NMGWPA:99.82.1

References cited

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