Axes
| Axes |
|---|
 |
|
Hand axes
...with beards
...without beards
Throwing axes
Francisca Wheeler 1927
Broad axe (Dane axe)
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 and CAMERON 2003]:p.3401
- Similar finds have been found in Hedeby and London. [MOULD, CARLISLE and 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
References
[MOULD, CARLISLE and CAMERON 2003] ^ 1 2 Mould test entry
Hewitt, John (1855) Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe. (also available in print, bracken Books, 1996)
Copyright
These images are assumed to be in the Public Domain. If you are the owner of these images and have an objection to them being used on this website please contact us by emailing info@vikingage.org and we will remove them.
Wheeler, R.E.M. (1927) London and the Vikings. London Museum Catalogues: No 1
Copyright
If you are the owner of these images and have an objection to them being used on this website please contact us by emailing info@vikingage.org and we will remove them.
