Fenestrated ax
Bronze
1800 BC

The type of ax shown here is called “fenestrated” because the blade has two small openings that looked like windows to the first archaeologists to describe such objects. It was a ceremonial arm rather than a real weapon. Kings and soldiers were often represented with such an ax in their hands. This ax was found in the tomb of a high-ranking dignitary and must have been considered a sign of his social status. A handle went through the perpendicular socket at the heel of the blade.

TEll Mardikh, ancient Ebla
7 x 6 x 0.9 cm/15.3 x 12.7 cm
Idlib Museum 3450 (TM.78.Q.495)/3211 (TM.84.G.30a-b)
SMC 147a; ED 118; Ebla 297

_{© Musée de la civilisation, 1999}