Mammen Viking Axe

Discover Mammen Viking Axe

Mammen Viking Axe



The so-called Mammen axe , considered one of the most remarkable and beautiful archaeological finds from the Viking Age, was recovered from a 10th-century burial mound in Mammen (near Viborg) in Jutland, Denmark. The Viking Age artistic style of the same name (ca. 950–1030, a continuation of the Jelling style characterised by animal motifs, with the gradual introduction of more vegetal and significantly fewer geometric elements) owes its name to this unique piece of jewellery.


The man’s grave, from which the magnificent Viking axe and many other valuable objects come, dates to around 970/971 AD and was probably the final resting place of a wealthy man of high, even princely, status. The small iron axe is richly decorated with inlaid engravings of silver, niello and gold, suggesting that it may have been a ritual or ceremonial weapon rather than a simple battle or throwing axe.



It remains an open question whether the motifs decorating the axe blade on both sides are of Christian or pagan influence. On one side an elaborate tendril pattern can be seen which can be understood as a representation of the Christian tree of life or as the world ash tree Yggdrasil from Norse mythology. The other side shows an entwined, bird-like creature, which could embody both a phoenix (as a symbol of Christ's resurrection) and Gullinkambi , the rooster at the top of the Yggdrasil tree who awakens the Einherjers in Valhalla every day and will crow to the gods and warriors to herald the beginning of Ragnarök.



The original piece, as well as many other additions and textile remnants from the so-called Mammen find or Mammenfund (Danish: Mammenfundet ) can be admired in the Danish National Museum ( nationalmuseet ) in Copenhagen.



On the beautiful Viking axe offered here, the highly detailed, engraved motifs and patterns that adorn the original silver-inlaid artifact have been reproduced as faithfully as possible. The carbon steel axe head has a 10 cm long unsharpened cutting edge and is mounted on a 41 cm long wooden handle.



This early medieval axe is primarily intended as a collector's item or decorative object. It is also ideal as an accessory, for example to complete your costume, and will make your transformation into a proud warrior simply perfect.



Details:

- Blade material: carbon steel (not stainless!), unsharpened

- Handle material: ash wood

- Total length (shaft): approx. 41cm

- Axe blade: approx. 15 x 10 cm

- Blade thickness: approx. 1 cm (approx. 0.5 cm in front of the cutting edge)

- Shaft thickness: approx. 2.8 x 1.7 cm

- Weight: approx. 550 g

- Delivered without case



The above specifications may vary slightly from copy to copy.



The steel used here is not stainless and may show slight signs of corrosion. We recommend taking care of the blade regularly, for example with Ballistol, a universal oil ideal for preserving steel products.



Please note:

This item is only sold to persons over 18 years of age. Please enter your date of birth on our order form. We also require a copy of your ID, driving licence or similar by email, scan, fax or post.

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