NEOLITHIC AXEHEAD

Description:

Possibly Prehistoric stone implement, possibly a ground and polished axehead. It measures 72.3mm in length, is max.62.6mm wide and min.45.9mm wide. It is 16.4mm thick and weighs 127.46g.The implement is curious in its size, being almost as wide as it is long, possibly suggesting it has been reused. If an axehead, both the cutting (widest) end and hafting (shorter) end have been worked to a point. The wider end is also rather lop-sided. The long edges too are worked to a point, so that the object as a whole is lenticular in section.A curious striation on the surface of the object is apparent towards the narrower end. On one side and on one long edge they are deeper. Such marks may point towards this being a hone stone, for sharpening implements.The stone is curious and certainly not local. It would need to be seen by a geologist to be identified.Clive Bond of the Lithic Studies Society comments: It may or may not be Prehistoric and British. Unfortunately, the same technology and types, or certainly similar forms, have also been recorded from Papua New Guinea. However, I do think it is worth getting identified for the raw material and this may suggest an origin and/or date. If it is Neolithic, then it may add to our database on the use of rare stones, and the typology of axes.Other Finds Liaison Officers comment: "Could it be a type of Greenstone?" "What a little odd thing. I would be happy with it being a late Neolithic axe, the groove around the edge reminds me of the carved stone balls you get, although this as you suggest seems more functional in this example. The size could be due to wear and reworking, it does not seem to be reflaked but the side bevel / facet does seem to be rather irregular and slightly off centre which would suggest a long life. What does seem odd is that from your photos both the butt and the blade seem to have been sharpened, although that may be a trick of the light / photo." "For what it's worth, this reminds me a little of Pacific/Maori stuff I've come across."

Format:

image

Collections:

The Portable Antiquities Scheme

Content partner:

The Portable Antiquities Scheme

Availability:

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