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Early Bronze Age copper halberd

With a symmetrical blade containing three rivet holes with rivets in position. Strongly marked keeled midrib and triple bevelled edges and point.

Copper halberd made of Irish copper, 2300-2150 BCE. Found at Tonfannau, north-west Wales.

Fine blades, known as halberds, were once secured onto long wooden poles. They were made of copper from Ireland, but cast in Britain. Halberds were very good at cleaving and smashing skulls, whether human or animal. They were weapons of status, and were proably used in ceremonies.

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copper halberds
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
copper halberds
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
copper halberds
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
copper halberds
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
Spear or scabbard bits??
© Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales
  • copper halberds
  • copper halberds
  • copper halberds
  • copper halberds
  • Spear or scabbard bits??

Collection Area

Archaeology & Numismatics

Item Number

33.209/2

Find Information

Site Name: Tonfannau Quarry, Towyn

Notes: found in loose rubble on the surface of No.5 level of the quarry approximately 5km NW of Towyn

Acquisition

Donation, 19/5/1933

Measurements

length / mm:271.0
maximum width / mm:84.0 (at hilt)
maximum thickness / mm:7.0
maximum diameter / mm:17.0 (of rivets)
diameter / mm:9.5 (of rivet holes)
length / mm:14.0*

Material

arsenical copper
Northover's composition group: A1*

Location

St Fagans Gweithdy gallery : Bronze Age Weapons

Collections Online is updated regularly, but please confirm that an object remains on display before making a special visit.

Categories

hoard Bronze Age weapons record verified by A. Gwilt
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