Dating from the 11th to 12th centuries, this Scandinavian axe holds a significant place within the Weapons and Armor Division's collection, despite the museum having relatively few examples of early medieval European armor and weapons, especially those with notable decorations or in unexcavated condition. This particular axe stands out as an important addition to the collection, serving as an exemplary medieval exhibit and, notably, as the first intricately adorned Viking axe to become a part of the permanent collection.
During the Viking era, decorated weapons, including swords, axes, and spears, held immense value and were cherished possessions of Viking men. They symbolized the individual's rank and social status within society, besides being practical tools for combat. This axe is a remarkable representation of a broad axe form, featuring a rare and significant voluminous scroll ornament that is exceptionally well-preserved and richly adorned with silver wire inlay.
The axe's shape and construction embody all the distinctive characteristics that define this type of axe head. The chisel or cutting edge curves in an arc from the toe to the heel, while the upper edge of the body slightly exceeds the length of the lower edge, causing the head to have an asymmetric shift towards the toe. Both edges taper into a short neck, which then transitions into the bell. The lower edge of the bell flows into a short rounded point or lapta. In addition to the wide flat band running along both sides of the cutting edge, the axe head as a whole is lavishly decorated with silver wire inlay, forming intricate scroll and linear patterns.