Flanged Axe Head

Found by Brian Pollard near Wells, Somerset. Originally axe heads were completely flat, but this has ridges to assist its fixing and prevent it being driven back into the haft. Later, as the axe evolved, the design was to change again. Made of copper alloy, believed to be produced by the lost wax system. Protected by a natural patina, now chipped in places. It is quite small, but substantial, and was either used as a cutting implement or as a votive offering to the gods (mostly pagan at that time). Either way it obviously never had a lot of use- there's very little degree of wear.