CEREMONIAL AXE OF KING AHMOSE

Identity:        Ahmose, King
Material:       Copper, Electrum, Gold, Wood, Semi-precious stones
Period:          New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty
Reign:           Ahmose

Dimensions:
Length (Total):          47.5 cm
Length (Axe only):   16.3 cm
Width:                        6.7 cm

This axe was executed to commemorate the liberation of Egypt from the Hyksos. The copper blade together with its cedar wood handle is entirely covered with gold and ornamented with precious stones. The inlaid decoration of the axe is divided on each side into three compartments, all decorated with motifs alluding to the expulsion of the Hyksos and the re-unification of the country by Ahmose. The side shown here is ornamented with the royal cartouche, a scene depicting the king killing an Asiatic enemy and a representation of the king as a griffin symbolizing the war god Montu.

Back to New Kingdom Page

Back to Museum Home Page