Viking Mammen axe

The so-calledMammen Axe, considered one of the most remarkable and beautiful archaeological finds from the Viking Age, was recovered from a 10th century burial mound in Mammen (near Viborg) in Jutland, Denmark. The Viking art style of the same name (ca. 950-1030 - a continuation of the Jelling style characterized by animal motifs, with the gradual introduction of more vegetal and significantly less geometric elements) owes its name to this unique gem.

The male grave from which the magnificent Viking axe and many other precious artefacts come is dated to ca. 970/971 AD and was probably the final resting place of a wealthy man of high, even princely status. The small iron axe is richly decorated with engravings inlaid with silver, niello and gold plate, suggesting that it may have been a ritual or ceremonial weapon rather than a mere fighting or throwing axe.

Whether the motifs decorating the axe blade on both sides are of Christian or pagan influence remains an open question. One side shows an elaborate tendril pattern, which can be interpreted as a depiction of either the Christian tree of life or the world ash tree Yggdrasil from Norse mythology. The other side shows an intertwined, bird-like creature that could represent either a phoenix (symbolizing the resurrection of Christ) or Gullinkambi, the rooster on Yggdrasil's treetop that wakes the Einherjer in Valhalla every day and crows to the gods and warriors to announce the beginning of Ragnarök.

The beautiful Viking axe we offer here is a faithful reproduction of the engraved, highly detailed motifs and patterns that adorn the original silver-inlaid artifact. The carbon steel axe head has a 10 cm long unsharpened edge and is mounted on a 41 cm long wooden handle.

It should be noted that this early medieval axe is not suitable for use in battle, but is primarily designed as a collector's item or decorative object. It is also ideal as a prop, e.g. to complete your costume, and will make your transformation into a proud warrior simply perfect.

Details:
- Blade material: carbon steel (not stainless!), unsharpened
- Handle material: ash wood
- Total length (shaft): approx. 41 cm
- Axe blade: approx. 16 x 10 cm
- Blade thickness: approx. 1 cm (approx. 0.5 cm before the cutting edge)
- Shaft thickness: approx. 2.5 x 1.3 cm
- Weight: approx. 520 g
- Delivery WITHOUT scabbard

The above specifications may vary slightly from specimen to specimen.

The steel used here is not stainless and may show slight signs of corrosion. We recommend regular maintenance of the blade, e.g. with Ballistol, a universal oil that is excellent for the preservation of steelware.

As with all weapons, we require proof of age when selling this item, as weapons may only be sold to customers of legal age. Please scan and email your ID, or send a copy by post. If you have any questions, please give us a call.