The so-called Mammen axe, considered one of the most remarkable and beautiful archaeological finds from the Viking Age, was recovered in Mammen (near Viborg) in Jutland, Denmark, from a burial mound dating back to the 10th century. The eponymous Viking Age art style (circa 950-1030 – a continuation of the Jelling style characterized by animal motifs, with a gradual introduction of more plant-like and significantly fewer geometric elements) owes its name to this unique masterpiece.
The men's grave from which the magnificent Viking axe and many other precious artifacts originate is dated to around 970/971 AD and was likely the final resting place of a wealthy man of high, even princely status. The small iron axe is richly decorated with engravings featuring silver, niello, and gold leaf inlays, suggesting that it may have been more of a ritual or ceremonial weapon rather than a mere combat or throwing axe.
Whether the motifs adorning the axe blade on both sides are of Christian or pagan influence remains open to interpretation. On one side, there is an elaborate vine pattern that can be understood either as a representation of the Christian tree of life or the world ash Yggdrasil from Norse mythology. The other side depicts an intertwined, bird-like creature that could embody both a phoenix (as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ) and Gullinkambi, the rooster atop Yggdrasil, who wakes the Einherjar in Valhalla every day and crows to the gods and warriors to announce the beginning of Ragnarök.
The original piece, along with many other grave goods and textile remnants from the so-called find of Mammen or Mammen find (Danish: Mammenfundet), can be admired at the National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) in Copenhagen.
The beautiful Viking axe we offer here features the engraved, highly detailed motifs and patterns that adorn the original silver-plated artifact, replicated as faithfully as possible. The axe head made of carbon steel has a 10 cm long, unsharpened edge and is mounted on a 41 cm long wooden handle.
Please note that this early medieval axe is not suitable for combat but is primarily designed as a collector's item or decorative object. It is also excellent as a prop, for example, to complete your costume, and will make your transformation into a proud warrior simply perfect.
The specifications mentioned above may vary slightly from specimen to specimen.
The steel used here is not stainless and may show slight signs of corrosion. We recommend regularly maintaining the blade, for example, with Ballistol, a universal oil that is excellent for preserving steel items.
Please note:
The sale of this item is only to persons over 18 years of age. Therefore, please provide your date of birth in our order form. Additionally, we require a copy of your ID card, driver's license, or similar via email, scan, fax, or post.
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