Bronze spearhead from Semerwater

Description

Bronze spearhead from Semerwater (c) YDNPA, 2023

Bronze spearhead dating to the later Bronze Age. It is an example of what is known as the Hotham Carr Phase bronze industry whose products are found widely distributed along the flanks of the Pennine Dales. This fine example may have been deposited in the lake as some sort of votive offering. It has lozenge loop-plates for tying the spear to the wooden shaft and a band of incised decoration around the base of the socket. Large spearheads like this one were probably items of parade and prestige rather than true hunting or fighting weapons. They form a notable part of Pennine bronze finds. Item on display at the Dales Countryside Museum.

Source:

Manby, T G (1986) ‘The Bronze Age in Western Yorkshire’ in Manby, T & Turnbull, P (eds) (1986) Archaeology in the Pennines. Oxford: BAR British Series 158 pp55-126