SPEARHEAD

Incomplete cast bronze side looped and socketed spear (spearhead) of probable Middle Bronze Age date (1500 - 1150 BC). The spearhead is sub-triangular in plan and profile with a sub-oval / leaf-shaped blade, hollow socket and cast side loops. It measures 97.8mm length, has a maximum width of 21.2mm and maximum thickness of 16.1mm. The spearhead weighs 44.74 grams.

The blade (sides and tip) of the spearhead is incomplete having been damaged in the ploughsoil. Therefore, accurate dimensions of the blade length and width cannot be given. The surviving blade measures 41mm length, 21.2mm width. Along the centre of the blade is a lozenge shaped midrib. This midrib expands into the socket of the spear. The socket is sub-oval in cross section and expands evenly along its length. The base of the socket has been damaged and broken, the internal diameter is approximately 12.7mm. The internal length of the socket suggests that it may extend a short distance into the midrib of the blade. The two loops are located approximately 2/3 of the way along the length of the spearhead, approximately 1/4 of the way between the base of the blade and the mouth of the socket. The loops are 12.8mm long, 3.2mm wide and project 4.1mm. The internal dimensions are 4.5 x 2.8mm. The cross sections of both the loops are sub-oval. These two loops would have originally been used to help attach and secure the spearhead to the wooden shaft. They also may have been used as suspension loops for some form of tassel or decoration. There are no visible areas of cast or incised decoration on the spearhead.

The spearhead is a mid-brown green colour. Originally it would have had a heavy polished patina that covered all surfaces. This patina has been badly abraded in many areas and there are several large pock marks on both the blade and the socket. There are also a number of patches of light green powdery corrosion present. As mentioned above the blade of the spearhead has been rolled in the ploughsoil, which has resulted in the loss and bending along much of the blade.

Similar looped spearheads have been dated by Margaret Ehrenberg to the Middle Bronze Age specifically the Acton Park 2, Taunton (Cemmaes) or Pennard metalworking traditions (c. 1500 - 1150BC).