Shafthole axe

The quarrying of copper in southwest Europe began in the 5th millennium BC. This has been proved by the finding of numerous hammeraxes and adzes, which were buried with high-status individuals as grave goods. Often they were deposited as consecrated offerings, singly or in groups. A few scattered copper axes have also been found in central Europe and Scandinavia, including the shafthole axe from Dalum, an early addition to the collection mentioned in the National collection catalogue from 1838. The circumstances of its discovery are recorded: the axe was apparently found between 1806 and 1812 by a farmer‘ beneath a stone, lying on a large circlet.’