|
Date: |
|
Description: | A flint axe of Neolithic date. This piece is best categorised as a 'roughout', the surfaces still retaining some original cortex. The most likely explanation is that it was discarded prior to finishing, possibly due to flaws in the flint, but more likely because of the accidental removal of too large a flake (see below).
The axe is an elongated sub-oval shape in plan and is of pointed oval section. It has been roughly formed through the removal of a number of broad flakes which generally radiate outwards from the central ridge. One of the convex vertical edges has been subject to a significant amount of re-touching and has probably also been ground into shape. The proximal end of the axe has a short, flat area and just below this is the vast majority of the remaining cortex. Also on this side is a large negative flake removal scar. This extends upwards from the convex cutting edge at an angle of approximately sixty degrees. The bulb-of-percussion is clearly visible at the point of strike. It is suggested that this flake removal may have been deemed to be too deep for the axe to be successfully finished, although some re-touching of the resulting edges did occur subsequent to its removal. The flint varies from light grey to mid orange-brown in colour and contains natural flaws.
The tool measures 109.6mm long, 48.4mm wide and 26.4mm thick. The weight is 150.45g. | Subjects: | Flint axe | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Creator: | Watters, Julian - Portable Antiquities Scheme | Identifier: | http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/pas_... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
|
|