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 slight S-shaped or crinoline outline. Has a narrow and pronounced everted mouth moulding. There are four runner scars located each at 90 degrees around the sub-oval shaped mouth and there is a high-placed and narrow loop. Three-ribbed decoration extend half way down each face. The side casting seams are prominent but very rounded, suggesting they were hammered down. The blade-edge is nearly straight, with no evidence that the axe was sharpened for use. One face and both sides have a pale brown corrosion surface, with a grey-green patina on the opposite face. There is a modern scratch, revealing bronze metal on one lower side.