Mammen Viking ax - Historical replica

Considered one of the finest archaeological discoveries of the Viking Age, the so-called Mammen Ax was exhumed from a 10th century burial mound at Mammen (near Viborg) in Jutland, Denmark. This unique piece gave its name to the eponymous Viking artistic style (ca. 950-1030 - a continuation of the animal ornamentation of the Jelling style, with the gradual introduction of more plant-based and significantly less geometric elements).

A little mythology

The male grave in which the sumptuous Viking ax and many other valuable items were found is dated to around 970/971 AD and is believed to be the final resting place of a rich man, of high status, even princely. The small iron ax is richly decorated with engravings inlaid with silver, niello and gold leaf, suggesting that it was most likely a ceremonial or prestige weapon rather than a simple combat or throwing ax.

The question of whether the motifs that adorn the head of the ax on both sides are of Christian or pagan influence remains open. One side bears an intricate pattern of tendrils, which could be a representation of the Christian tree of life or the global ash tree Yggdrasil from Norse mythology. The other side presents an intertwined creature, similar to a bird, which would represent either a phoenix (symbol of the resurrection of Christ), or Gullinkambi, the rooster perched on the summit of Yggdrasil who wakes each day the Einherjer of Valhalla and who will sing before the gods and warriors to announce the start of Ragnarök.

The original piece as well as many other funerary objects and textile remains from the "Mammen Find" (Danish: Mammenfundet) can be admired at the National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) in Copenhagen.

Reconstruction

The magnificent Viking ax that we offer here faithfully reproduces the very detailed engraved patterns and designs of the silver-inlaid original. The head of the ax, made of high carbon steel, has a 10 cm long unsharpened cutting edge and is mounted on a 41 cm long wooden handle.

Please note that this early medieval ax is not a combat ready weapon. It is primarily designed as a collector's item or decoration/presentation item and is in no way suitable for combat reconstruction. In addition to its quality as a collector's item, it is perfect as an accessory, for example to complete your costume, and will perfect your transformation into a proud warrior.

Features

• Materials: high carbon steel (not stainless), unsharpened
• Handle material: ash wood
• Total length: approx. 41cm
• Blade length: approx. 16 x 10 cm
• Blade width: approx. 1cm
• Handle thickness: approx. 2.5 x 1.3cm
• Weight: approx. 520g
• Supplied without gain and case

Specifications may vary slightly from part to part.

*The steel used here is not stainless and may show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend that you maintain the blade regularly, for example by using an oil, such as Tsubaki oil from Kane Tsune for example.