Bronze Age socketed spearhead, Swansea Bay, Swansea

This Bronze Age socketed spearhead was found on the intertidal zone of Swansea Bay by Mr Peter Jones and dates to c.1150-750BC.

The spearhead has applied decoration around the socket, beneath the start of the blade. The decoration comprises four bands of linear striations flanked on each side by repeating chevrons or small punched triangles and has been finely incised and carefully applied. It has been suggested that this type of decoration may be refering to bindings that were used on earlier socketed spearheads to keep them fastened to their wooden shafts.

Socketed and riveted spearheads have been recorded from Wales, such as the example from the Llantwit Major hoard in the Vale of Glamorgan. Decorated spearheads have also been recorded, for example at Guilsfield in Powys where one of the spearheads has a punched dot decoration around the socket and base. However, the closest parallel for the Swansea spearhead is an example found in the Thames at Staines and now in the Museum of London collection.

Why not hover your cursor over the image on the right and magnify the wonderful detail on the socket of the spearhead this feature was created by the clever people at MagicToolbox.com who have kindly allowed us to use it here.

Click on the image on the left to enlarge