Casgliadau Arlein

This is a South Wales Type socketed axe, bronze – complete One of a Hoard of nine bronze axes and one possible casting jet.

The 9 axes were recovered from the same pit at depths between 15-45cm. They were placed haphazardly with rocks buried between them. The 9 axes of this hoard group are remarkably homogenous. 1-8 are all socketed axes identifiable as South Wales Type, no.1 is a Collard Variant.They all date to the Ewart Park phase of the Late Bronze Age (1000-800 BC). Of the group, only axes Nos.1 and 2 show clear evidence of being worked and prepared for use. Nos 5 and 9 show significant casting flaws and are in their 'as cast in the mould' state, never having been prepared for use. Similarly, nos 7 and 8 were never prepared for use. For axes 3, 4 and 6 the evidence is less clear either way.

The fragment of casting jet was discovered approximately 30 metres away. Leaded bronze casting jets are often found with Late Bronze Age hoards making it likely that this object was originally buried with the axes and disturbed later due to ploughing.

A complete socketed axe of slender form, with a slightly concave profile and flaring form. Has a narrow and pronounced and everted mouth moulding and a high-placed loop of medium thickness. The sub-rectangular shaped mouth has one projecting runner-stub with evidence for three further runner scars each placed at 90 degrees around the mouth. There are three well-defined ribs descending half to two thirds of the way down each face. At the top of one face and extending into the mouth moulding is a marked surface cavity (15.8mm long, 6.5mm wide), indicating a flaw during the casting process. The side casting seams are prominent but rounded, appearing to have been rapidly hammered. The blade-edge is slightly curved in outline and damaged on one side. Soil and bronze concretions on the lower face and blade bevel prevent identification of any possible blade sharpening and preparation striations. On one upper face, there are patches of black patina, while other exposed surface has a grey green patina. The reverse face remains covered with a pale brown concreted soil. The two lower faces both have corrosion concretions.