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AWL
Unique ID: YORYM-50C58A
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A complete knapped lithic implement of late Mesolithic to early Neolithic date, circa 7000 - 3500 BC. The implement is an awl or piercer formed from a secondary flake which is sub-ovate in plan and section with a small pointed projection extending from one edge. The striking plat from and bulb of percussion are present on the ventral surface along with radiating ripples of percussion. The dorsal surface is irregular with numerous flakes having been removed. Short, abrupt, scaled retouch is present around the edges of the point extending into a notch to the right of the point. This may have functioned as a notched scraper.
The flint is a dark-orangey-brown colour with lighter inclusions and cortext is retained on the butt of the striking platform. The implement is 36.7mm long, 32.1mm wide, 9.8mm thick and weighs 10.3g.
Piercers tend to be more heavy duty tools than awls and were probably used for creating holes in leather or wood. Awls tended to have thinner cross sections and were probably used to work lighter materials than piercers. It is therefore likely due to the construction of this implement that the classification of piercer is more apt.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MESOLITHIC
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: MESOLITHIC
Subperiod to: Early
Period to: NEOLITHIC
Date from: Circa 7000 BC
Date to: Circa 3500 BC
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 36.7 mm
Width: 32.1 mm
Thickness: 9.8 mm
Weight: 10.3 g
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Flint
Manufacture method: Knapped/flaked
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Yorkshire (County)
District: Ryedale (District)
Parish or ward: Sheriff Hutton (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SE6565
Four figure Latitude: 54.07683278
Four figure longitude: -1.00806035
1:25K map: SE6565
1:10K map: SE66NE
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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