Halberd

Example = NMGW-87E225
Date = 2200 BC-1700 BC
Distribution = Ireland mainly and Britain

Comment = The origin of the Halberd is unknown. It is a strong blade with a stout midrib and rivets which would have attached the blade at right angles to a wooden shaft. It is unknown what they were used for. The blades that show wear were probably used for fighting but many appear to be unused and so perhaps held a ceremonial or prestige functional. 40% of the halberds found in Europe come from Ireland. 

References

• Harbison, P. (1969) The Daggers and the Halberds of the Early Bronze Age in Ireland. Munchen: C. H. Beck’sche Verlagsbuchandlung
• O'Flaherty, R. (1998) The Early Bronze Age Halberd: A History of Research and a Brief Guide to the Sources. In: The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Vol. 128, (1998), pp. 74-94
• O’Flaherty, R., Rankin, B., Williams, L. (2002) Reconstructing an Early Bronze Age Halberd Archaeology Ireland Vol. 16, No. 3 (Autumn, 2002), pp. 30-34