Axes are fairly common archaeological finds associated with Vikings, as many have been deposited and preserved in marshes and bogs. While early texts most commonly describe axes being used in violent contexts, this particular axe instead has a decidedly more domestic use. Timber is likely the only foe this hatchet would have seen.

Found on the isle of Eigg, in the inner Hebrides, this 9th century axe is crafted from an iron head and would most likely have been attached to a wooden stock. The axe is characterized as being ‘of viking type’ meaning that the style of its design originates from Scandinavia, and was likely imported to the Hebrides as Vikings settled the string of Scottish islands in the 9th century. Axes in the Viking age came in many different sizes and shapes, serving several different purposes. Axes made of iron were mostly used as tools for gathering and construction, though a good axe could always be used as a weapon if need be, and thus it can be hard to tell whether an axe was used as a weapon or a tool. [1]

This hatchet gives us insight into one of the most important building materials throughout the Viking age. Timber was a very important resource in Norse culture, and a hatchet found in an historical Viking raiding target supports early written texts describing wood being fashioned into a range of purposes from home construction to boat building. Evidence of deforestation throughout Scandinavia indicates the utility and the demand for timber throughout the Viking age. [2]

In fact, remains of trading centers, boardwalks, log houses, and boats show us how pervasive wood was as a construction material. [3] Though most wooden infrastructure and wooden grave goods decompose before archaeologists are able to excavate them, we have enough material and written evidence that illuminates the extent of what wood was used for. Archaeological finds like the ornate wooden Oseberg ship and the Nydam oak boat give us evidence of the utility of wood as an effective and sturdy building material, while also showing us Norse mastery of a more artistic form of woodworking. [4]In fact, while serving a great practical purpose, wood was also widely used as an artistic medium. Wood carving and patterning has been found adorning ships like that found at the oseberg burial to artwork panels and wooden figurines found at other grave sites. [5]

This axe was most likely used constructively, and not destructively. Vikings were masters of woodworking and timber engineering, and Viking culture revolved around building villages and trading centers and for that purpose. Timber was an invaluable resource used in everything from housing to agriculture to travel to artwork.


[1] http://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/weapons/axes/

[2] NAS 19

[3] NAS 45, 53

[4] NAS 87

[5] NAS 239

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