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Description: | A polished flint axe head dating to the early to mid Neolithic (BC 3500 - 2500). White flint with some grey mottling.The blade edge is 61mm wide, tapering down to a narrowed blunt end 30mm wide. The blunt narrow end is broken and chipped. The axe is approximately 130mm long. it is oval in section. There are no obvious signs that this particular axe was used for chopping or cutting, as the blade is very sharp with no signs of wear. On one side there are also two holes, caused by narural weakness in the flint. These holes are intriguing, as they would weaken the axe if used functionally. However, the choice of flint with such obvious flaws for symbolic or ritual use is surprising.This artefact was manufactured by being initially roughed-out by knapping using an antler, and then it was ground using a more abrasive stone to produce a smooth surface, and a sharp blade edge.As well as being functional items for cutting and shaping wood, these axes are believed to have had strong symbolic significance. Many are recovered from pits and graves, suggesting purposeful deposition rather than casual loss in the landscape. Its discovery in the context of a car park at Lullworth Castle does not necessarily indicate neolithic activity on site, and may instead be a result of material being brought in during the construction of the visitor car park.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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