Mystery church carving

[Tomtom]

Hi. I'm part of the woodwork team of a church recording group in Warwickshire, England (basically, we record and describe in detail every individual item of the structure and fittings of churches for the purposes of research, art appreciation and for insurance against loss), and I'm hoping that you seasoned woodworkers might have come across certain designs in a church we're currently recording in the village of Leek Wootton. I've attached a jpg of one design on the slab-end of a litany desk - we're stumped - is it a pair of axes? a double arrow shaft? anybody come across anything similar anywhere?

[Dylan]

The first thing that comes to my mind is flags. But then again maybe not.

[Tomtom]

Hmmm - must admit I hadn't noticed the similarity with flags, but all the other carvings on these choir stalls are instantly recognisable and I think this woodcarver's flags would look much more flaggy!

[mpounders]

I'm seeing more of a resemblance to a type of halberd. Take a look at this link.... it appears similar to the one in the middle ?
File:Halberds 3.png - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Magicman]

I agree with Mike, I think its a type of Axe
Larry

[Tomtom]

Aha - I agree, it does very much look like an only-lightly-stylized version of that middle halberd. I'll do a bit of homework on whether there's any religious significance to a pair of halberds - other carvings in Leek Wootton church are clearly significant (pilgrim's purse and staff, descending dove, crossed keys) but others seem more idiosyncratic or even Masonic (crossed clubs, stone saw, set-square...). Thanks for the halberd link.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

I agree with Dylan...looks like flags on staffs to me

[kitaye]

First impression is a halberd or pike of some kind.

[Rojo5150]

Hmmmm.....could be Masonic
The Symbolism of the Axe

[scooter]

Except that you wouldn't find Masonic icons in a church...

S~

Originally Posted by Rojo5150

Hmmmm.....could be Masonic
The Symbolism of the Axe