Danish
Circa 900 to 1100 AD
Iron
Length 8" (20.3 cm) x Width 4 1/4" (10.8 cm)
Provenance: Christian Rub, Honolulu, HI
This Viking period iron axe head from Denmark dates to between approximately 900 and 1100 AD, a span encompassing the late Viking Age and the early medieval period in Scandinavia. The axe is decorated on both sides with incised star motifs, a form of surface ornament found on Viking weapons and tools that indicates the object was made with attention to appearance as well as function. Star and rosette motifs in Viking metalwork carry associations with protective symbolism and craftsmanship pride, and their presence here distinguishes this axe from purely utilitarian examples.
The iron has oxidized to a dark, pitted surface consistent with its age and burial history, the form of the socketed axe head remaining structurally intact and clearly legible. The broad, slightly asymmetric blade and socketed construction are characteristic of Scandinavian axe typology of the period, used for both combat and everyday cutting tasks. The piece comes from the collection of Christian Rub of Honolulu, HI.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Danish
Circa 900 to 1100 AD
Iron
Length 8" (20.3 cm) x Width 4 1/4" (10.8 cm)
Provenance: Christian Rub, Honolulu, HI
This Viking period iron axe head from Denmark dates to between approximately 900 and 1100 AD, a span encompassing the late Viking Age and the early medieval period in Scandinavia. The axe is decorated on both sides with incised star motifs, a form of surface ornament found on Viking weapons and tools that indicates the object was made with attention to appearance as well as function. Star and rosette motifs in Viking metalwork carry associations with protective symbolism and craftsmanship pride, and their presence here distinguishes this axe from purely utilitarian examples.
The iron has oxidized to a dark, pitted surface consistent with its age and burial history, the form of the socketed axe head remaining structurally intact and clearly legible. The broad, slightly asymmetric blade and socketed construction are characteristic of Scandinavian axe typology of the period, used for both combat and everyday cutting tasks. The piece comes from the collection of Christian Rub of Honolulu, HI.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
