Viking Mammen Axe

The axe, inherited from the Frank's wars with the Romans, remained an ever-present Viking weapon. It also demonstrated the Scandinavian genius for evolving specialized weaponry.

The smaller axes are sized to be carried thrust through a belt, to serve as a backup weapon and being one-handed, they were used in combination with a shield. The Mammen Axe, one of the best-known and best decorated examples of the small Viking throwing axe, is a perfect example of the Viking's blend of art and war. 

Excavated from a famous 10th century barrow near Mammen, Denmark, the original is decorated with silver-inlaid engraving in the Jelling-style. It is now shown in the Danish Nationalmuseum in Copenhagen.

This recreation by Hanwei is a tribute to the creative as well as the martial side of this dynamic, influential culture.