Description

Double Axe Head from the Late Bronze Age

When the Israelites entered Canaan after the Exodus from Egypt, they found themselves in a region that was densely forested. Joshua told the Israelites,

“The mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down.” – Joshua 17:18

This bronze double bladed axe head dates to the period of the Israelite conquest, and the Israelites likely used tools such as this as they settled the land. Bronze was an expensive metal, and this heavy axe head would have been quite valuable. Not everyone could afford to own such an expensive tool.

A wooden handle would have been fitted through the hole in the center of the axe. It would have been connected with both pitch or bitumen used as a sticky glue and leather lashings to hold the double bladed axe head firmly to the handle. However, sometimes accidents occurred, and the axe head went flying from the handle. In the Mosaic Law, there is a provision for manslaughter by detached axe head (Deuteronomy 19:5). And, Elisha performed a miracle involving an axe head:

“But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.” So the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick and threw it in there; and he made the iron float. Therefore he said, “Pick it up for yourself.” So he reached out his hand and took it.” – 2 Kings 6:5–7

Details:

This double bladed axe head is made of bronze. It features a blade that is sharpened on both ends with a central hole for the handle.

Length:6″ Inches / 15 CM.

Width:2.2″ Inches / 5 CM.

Antiquities from the land of the Bible are great investments and teaching tools. They bring the Bible to life in a tangible way, connecting the stories of the Bible with real artifacts that illuminate the text.

Comes with a certificate of authenticity and all required documents for export approval.

Shipped direct from Jerusalem.

Zak’s Antiquities is the website of Zak’s fine art and antiquities located on the Christian Quarter road in Jerusalem’s Old City. The shop began in 1964 and has remained as a family owned and operated business till this day. For the past 50 years Zak’s Antiquities has sold ancient coins, antiquities and art authentic to Israel and Jerusalem.