Middle and Late Bronze Age Metal Tools from the Aegean, Eastern ...

functional differences. An implement with a high ratio is relatively long, and should
probably be characterized as a chisel. On the other hand, shorter blades, like axes,
typically have low ratios. Ultimately, some cutting tools defy definitive categorization
and may have been utilized in a variety of ways.
D1: Trunnion/lugged axes and adzes (Plates 4.10-4.13)
Flat ax or adze blades with a protrusion near the butt end on both sides are
classified as trunnion or lugged (Plates 4.4-13). Evely defined the trunnion ax in the
following manner: “the basic shape of this tool is a rectangular tablet of metal, divided
into two unequal parts by the trunnions or horns that may project from its sides.” 351 These
projections (variously called lugs, horns or ears) appear on either axes or adzes, making
identification difficult at times. There are 105 examples of trunnion or lugged blades in
the dataset, yet only 6 are definitely adzes. Evely and Catling categorized this tool type as
an ax, while Deshayes acknowledged the ambiguity but favored the identification of an
adze. 352 The lugs served variant purposes depending on the blade’s function, which also
dictated the method of hafting. 353 As an adze, the protrusions would enhance the
proficiency of hafting the blade onto a curved handle by means of a string or thong. As an
ax, the blade’s butt end would be inserted in a parallel fashion into a mortised haft,
allowing the protrusions “to reduce the tendency of the blade to be driven back into the
shaft under the impact of the blows.” 354
The trunnion/lugged blade could operate like a
351
Evely 1993, 58.
352
Evely 1993, 60; Catling 1964, 87; Deshayes 1960, 128.
353
For hafting issues of trunnion/lugged blades, see Maxwell-Hyslop 1953, 69. 71.
354
Evely 1993, 60.
148