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Flanged axe head
Italic
End of Bronze Age/Early Iron Age
about 10th–9th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Length: 21 cm (8 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Edward Waldo Forbes
Accession Number63.2402
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing – Archery, spears, javelins
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 601.
DescriptionThis axe head takes the form of a "winged" celt, with side flanges and stop-ridge. The handle fitted into the recess thus formed, and the stop-ridge prevented the blade from being driven too far into the handle. Dark green patina.
ProvenanceAbout 1900: Edward Waldo Forbes Collection (bought by him near Assisi, at "excavations" 10 to 20 miles to the south [amber beads and the Dumbarton Oaks "Hephaistos" were shown with it]); by 1958: loaned by Edward Waldo Forbes to MFA (as 152.58); gift of Edward Waldo Forbes to MFA, November 13, 1963