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Early Bronze Age copper halberd
With three rivet-holes and central rib.
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Image: © Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Collection Area
Archaeology & Numismatics
Item Number
84.83H/2
Find Information
Site Name: Castell Coch, Tongwynlais
Collection Method: metal detector
Date: 1984 / Jun / 24
Notes: found 8-9 inches deep at the base of topsoil by Mr. R. Mantle of the Cardiff Scan Club.
Acquisition
Donation, 12/9/1984
Measurements
length / mm:250.5
width / mm:80.4
thickness / mm:7.2
Material
copper
Location
In store
Comments - (3)
Hello there,
These Halberds were initially believed to belong to the tribal chieftains of the time as symbols of their leadership, however there are many cave drawings depicting these artefacts being used as weapons to kill both animals and human beings, some drawings show decapitated people with other persons holding a halberd.
Regards
Mike
Hi there Geoff
Thanks for your enquiry. I will contact one of our curators and post the answer here.
Best wishes
Sara
Digital Team