[Bonetools] Antler Axe head

[Ian Riddler]

Dear Group,

Just to confirm that this axe head is whale bone. It has not yet been identified to species, although this is now becoming possible. We have an article about to go into Antiquity about species identification of whale bone at Hamwic (Southampton, England, 7th to 9th century AD) and I enclose a draft of that here.

Ian Riddler

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From: fiona beglane<mailto:fionabeglane at yahoo.com>
Sent: 06 April 2022 11:29
To: bonetools<mailto:bonetools at listserv.niif.hu>; arlene at acsu.ie<mailto:arlene at acsu.ie>
Subject: [Bonetools] Antler Axe head

Hi everyone,
This axe head came up on a burial site of probable medieval date in Ireland. It was found among animal bone and disarticulated human bone, and seems to be made of antler.

I am looking for any parallels that people might know of. And also anyone's thoughts on function, as it would seem to me that it would have little use for woodworking or for butchery - but I am open to correction on this.

Thank you all, as always
Fiona


Fiona Beglane PhD MIAI
Animal Bone Specialist
Licensed Archaeologist
Donegal, Ireland
087 686 3914 (M)
Alternate email address: beglane.fiona at itsligo.ie
Atlantic Technological University, Sligo Campus
http://itsligo.academia.edu/fionabeglane



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