A Kievan Rus/Viking Period Iron Axe Head, ca. 9th - 11th century CE Medium - Silver its natural strata of warm

its natural strata of warm brown

by descent to family

and two small applied handles at the shoulder

Gallery of New South Wales

A Kievan Rus/Viking Period Iron Axe Head, ca. 9th - 11th century CE Medium - Silver its natural strata of warmA rare and elaborate iron axe head from the Kievan Rus cultural sphere, dating to the Viking period (9th11th century CE). The head features a wide single edged blade with a dramatically flared profile and pointed, wing like elements projecting from the rear of the blade. Opposite the blade, a curved pike extends from the back, adding both symbolic and functional weight to the form. At the center, a tapered socket shaft is framed by upper and lower