BRONZE AGE MINIATURE OBJECT

-1000

Complete cast copper alloy miniature votive axe. In plan the axe is slightly crescentric, in that the upper and lower sides are curved. The cutting edge is curved and there is a small integral loop on the side near the socket. The socket is oval and hollow.The axe is Robinson (1995) Type III, which is thought to immitate Iron Age and Romano British iron axes (Robinson 1995 WA&NHM 88), although this form is also very similar to Bronze Age socketed axes. Indeed, this axe has a distinctive brown surface patina on it which is identical to the patination seen on many axes dating to the Bronze Age in this region.This axe was found along with numerous other miniature shields, spears and swords, and formed a votive deposit. Oddly, none of the other finds displays this brown patination.