Bronze Sword

Sword from Berrag, Jurby

First Metalworkers - Bronze Age - 2000 BC - 600 BC Dimensions: Length 61.4cm, width 5.4cm, breadth 0.8cm Manx Museum Accession Number - 1954-0806

This Late Bronze Age (900 BC - 700 BC) sword was found at Berrag in Jurby. The sword is virtually complete, and has only suffered damaged at the hilt or handle. With the ability to manufacture in metal, swords were introduced in the Late Bronze Age and were seen as stronger and longer alternatives to the earlier knives and rapiers. They had either one edge of the blade sharpened or both and could have been used in a hacking or thrusting movement. This example shows the rivet holes where the blade and the handle were held together. The use of bronze swords became more ceremonial once the new metal of iron came into use, as iron blades were more robust and held a sharper edge for longer.

This sword is on display in the Manx Museum.

A selection of Bronze Age objects -

• Irish Type Food Vessel
• Socketed Axe
• Bronze Sickle
• Sword
• Bronze Razor

For more information see -

• Bronze Age Metalworking
• Bronze Age Pottery
• Bronze Age Burial Practices

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