Difference between revisions of "Axes"
m (→Type B (Rygh 559 / Wheeler III)) |
m |
||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
|i1=Axe type A.jpg | |i1=Axe type A.jpg | ||
|i2=R557.jpg{{!}}R557 | |i2=R557.jpg{{!}}R557 | ||
| − | |i3= | + | |i3=Wheeler Axe I.jpg{{!}}Wheeler I |
}} | }} | ||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
{{Type| | {{Type| | ||
|i1h=80px | |i1h=80px | ||
| − | |i1=Axe Wheeler II.jpg{{!}}Wheeler II | + | |i1=Wheeler Axe II Earler.jpg{{!}}Wheeler II Earlier form |
| + | |i2=Wheeler Axe II later.jpg{{!}}Wheeler II Later form | ||
}} | }} | ||
| Line 31: | Line 32: | ||
|i1=Axe type B.jpg | |i1=Axe type B.jpg | ||
|i2=R559.jpg{{!}}R559 | |i2=R559.jpg{{!}}R559 | ||
| − | |i3=Axe | + | |i3=AWheeler Axe III.jpg{{!}}Wheeler III |
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 09:47, 21 August 2018
| Axes |
|---|
 |
|
Introduction
Axes can be both weapons and also tools. Many may have been used as both.
There are only two typologies for Viking Age axes, Petersen from 1919 and Wheeler from 2017. No one has reviewed the typology of axes since Wheeler in 1927. [OTTAWAY 2009]
Petersen [Pertersen 1919] used the following to determine the typology:
- The shaft hole lobes - can be long or short, more or less pointed, or cut clean, upper and lower lobes can be of different length, they can be directly opposed to each other, or offset, one further forward than the other [Petersen 1919].
Projecting spurs are a feature of Scandinavian rather than Anglo-Saxon axe heads. [Pearson 1981:p.161] - The width behind the shaft hole - The older types have a long and wide portion behind the shaft hole [Pertersen 1919] .
- The blade - can be more or less curved outward, more curved out below than above, and even be sloped in relation to the shaft hole section [Pertersen 1919].
Side axes are characterized by being sharpened on only one side of their blade giving an asymmetrical cutting edge. This makes them able to cut at a low angle, achieving a smooth surface. [LEAHY 2003:p.17]
Type A (Rygh 557 / Wheeler I)
R557
Wheeler I
Wheeler II
- Wheeler Axe II Earler.jpg
Wheeler II Earlier form
Wheeler II Later form
Type B (Rygh 559 / Wheeler III)
R559
- AWheeler Axe III.jpg
Wheeler III
Type C
Type D
Type E
Type F
Type G
Type H
Type I
Type K
Type L
Type M - Broad axe (Dane axe)
Throwing axes
I am currently unaware of any evidence for throwing axes from the Viking Age (AD 793-1100). A type of axe called a 'Francisca' was specifically designed for throwing. It dates to the period AD 400-550. [WHEELER 1935]:p.141. Wheeler suggests that it evolves into the bearded axe of the Viking Age [WHEELER 1927]:p.24.
It has been suggested that small axes such as the Mammen Axe, from Mammen in Denmark, may have possibly been thrown [CITATION NEEDED].
Leather axe loops
A strip of waste leather with a slit cut down its center tucked through the belt. The axe is dropped through the two slit holes. Ideally leather should be thin enough to snap if a firm tug is made upon the axe handle.
Art
--
Literature
--
Archaeology
- 11 finds of calf skin strips with a slit at each end have been found at York and dated to the C10th / early C11th (15715-25). [MOULD, CARLISLE & CAMERON 2003]:p.3401
- Similar finds have been found in Hedeby and London. [MOULD, CARLISLE & CAMERON 2003]:p.3401
Discussion
Although the exact use of these strips is impossible to deduce and Cameron suggests uses such as a method of knife sheaf suspension or a way of making a longer daisy chain style of leather strap.
We never see axes suspended from the waist in manuscripts. Even so it is felt that some mechanism for wearing an axe at the waist must of existed as just simply tucking the axe through the belt would have been hindering to movement and not secure.
Edge protectors for axe
Edge protectors of wood have been found in Hedeby, Denmark [WESTPHAL 2006] [SCHIETZEL 2014]:p.579
References
