XIV–XVI a. kirviai: kai kurie pavidalo bruožai
Axes of the 14th–16th Century: Certain Features of the Shape

Summary/Abstract: Based on the data of 275 axes of the 14th–16th century discovered on the territory of Lithuania and currently stored in 16 museums, the analysis of certain features of the shape revealed that the butt shape of first-type axes is essentially identical to that of the axes of the earlier period. The only more prominent difference is the angularity of certain butts, which should be evaluated as an adornment, a certain variation of decoration and a highlight of exceptionality. The butts of second-type axes resemble the butts of contemporary axes; however, they are neither identical in horizontal nor vertical plane. The majority of butts are angular, though certain are roundshaped by maintaining the characteristic hole shape, while others are round-shaped or close to round-shaped, including the shape of the hole. Holes can be oval, sharp-oval, egg-shaped or have a shape of a shield with rounded edges. The analysis of axe-cheek revealed that the two types do not show essential differences in terms of the wedge – they are dominated by an average wedge. In respect of the shape of the rear part of the first-type axe-cheek, axes “with a perpendicularly-cut blade” are dominant, while axes with a rear part of the cheek ending with a sharp angle make up a small part only. The so called “tooth” at the rear part of the cheek is an especially characteristic feature of these axes. Second-type axes are dominated by the rear part of the cheek formed in the shape of a sharp angle, whereas axes “with a perpendicularly-cut blade” are far less common. The axe-blade analysis revealed that no essential features could be identified in respect of symmetry – symmetrical blades are dominant, while asymmetrical ones are weakly expressed. Like the review of parameters, the analysis of external features revealed that first-type axes are far more uniform, leading to the assumption that they had achieved a certain height of perfection or possibly reached the limits of their possibilities at the end of their existence, whereas secondtype axes show more varied external features, which are attributable to a virtually new trend in axe production, which was not perfect in the beginning and testifies to the existence of unsettled standards at that time.

• Details
• Contents