Axe Head

Accession Number1986.008.1759a

VesselNuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)

Datecirca 1620

DescriptionAn iron axe head from the wreck of the 1622 galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha was used by the ship’s carpenter to cut and shape wood as needed. A small portion of the wooden handle remains, as well. A hardened steel edge was inserted into the iron body to increase the axe’s cutting strength. Remnants of maker’s or owner’s marks are evident of either side of the axe. The piece is 28.7 centimeters long.