A consideration of the Early Bronze Age halberd in Ireland - function and context.
Ronan O'Flaherty, M.A.
Supervisor: Professor Barry Raftery, Archaeology
Dr. Joanna Brück, Archaeology
Funded by: NA
Abstract
This thesis looks in detail at the Irish Early Bronze Age halberds,
concentrating in particular on the question of functionality, but also
looking at questions of context: spatial, technological, chronological
and social. The design, condition and dimensions of the blade, hafting
plate, rivets and rivet holes are examined in particular. The nature
and context of the deposition of the Irish halberds and their
distribution across Ireland is presented in detail. Methods of
fabrication, metal sources and the results of published metallographic
analyses are also considered. The chronological position of the Irish
halberds is established. A regional overview of the halberd in Europe
is achieved, where the current total population of finds is presented
for the first time in 70 years. Some considerable space is given over
to an examination of contemporary depictions of halberds in the
Continental rock-art of the period, and in stelae-statuary and
miniatures. Again, the objective is to better our understanding of the
way in which halberds might have been hafted and used. Finally, on the
basis of all the information collected, a replica halberd is
constructed and tested in practical trials. This halberd is available
for examination as part of this thesis. Ethnographic and historical
parallels are presented for the use of halberd-like weapons and the
role of the halberd in Early Bronze Age combat and warrior culture is
considered.