Casgliadau Arlein

Major portion of a three ribbed socketed axe of squat form. One third of the mouth and part of one upper face of the axe is missing and the break appears to have occurred in antiquity, with no evidence of force visible. Thin and prominent outsplayed mouth moulding, from which a high placed loop extends. On each face, three convergent ribs extend from the underside of the moulding. The wide mouth is sub-rectangular in shape both externally and internally. Three runner stubs are visible along the remaining mouth top, although one is only barely visible. The base of the socket is even in shape. The sides of the axe are straight and parallel, expanding modestly at the blade end, with slight recurving visible. The axe is hexagonal in cross-section and blocky in appearance. The casting flashes are visible, although appear to have been blunted by hammering, whilst feint striations on one suggest that it was also ground down. Striations on one side of the loop may also indicate grinding. The blade edge is entirely and heavily corroded making original blade width difficult to ascertain, however the blade shows prominent curvature. Striations running parallel to the blade edge, on the blade bevel, indicate that it was sharpened before use. The upper sides and mouth top of the axe have patches of black patina (tenorite), whilst other original surfaces are dark green. Large parts of the lower faces and sides of the axe are heavily corroded, with a green to light green patina. Some scratches and gouges appear to have been recently created either within the ploughsoil or during and after removal from the ground.