Axe Head Physical Object


Accession Number
1986.008.1759a
Category
Alternate object names
Axe Blade;Axe;Hatchet;Ax
Creation Date
circa 1620
Materials
Description
An iron axe head from the wreck of the 1622 galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha was used by the ship’s carpenter to cut and shape wood as needed. A small portion of the wooden handle remains, as well. A hardened steel edge was inserted into the iron body to increase the axe’s cutting strength. Remnants of maker’s or owner’s marks are evident of either side of the axe. The piece is 28.7 centimeters long.

Dimensions

22.7 cm L , Item (Overall)

22.7 x 10.2 x 3.4 cm

Exhibition Label
Case Caption (2023): 

Sailing The Ship

A galleon was a complex vessel, requiring expert handling at all levels. Both sailors and officers might develop a specialty, but they had to be able to perform a variety of jobs, as required. It was hard and sometimes dangerous work—a fall from the rigging either onto the deck or into the sea could prove fatal. Rations were poor and shipboard discipline was harsh. However, ordinary sailors were better paid than peasants or laborers, and they often enjoyed a sense of adventure.

Ideally, sailors of every rank went to sea as children and learned their trades by practical experience and apprenticeship. Many youngsters came from seafaring families, following in their elders’ footsteps. Others were running away from their families and eager to start their own lives.
Object Caption (2023):

Axe Heads
Iron (c.1620)
Gift of Jamestown Inc.
1986.008.0784a, 1986.008.1759a,b