DEBITAGE

Small irregular flint waste flake / debitage probably dating from the Neolithic period (3500 - 2100 BC). The flake is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and D shaped in cross section. It has number of regular facets (caused by flaking) on the upper (dorsal) face of the flake. There are also a number of hinge fractures caused by flaws within the flint matrix. There is no evidence of cortex (the rough outer skin of the flint nodule) present on either face. This suggests that this flake comes from the tertiary phase of tool production. On the reverse face (ventral) is a clear bulb of percussion and conchoidal ripples. At the butt is a clear striking platform which suggests the flake has been worked from several different directions. Along on edge are a number of areas of retouch / reworking suggesting that the debitage has been made into a small end scraper This type of reworked flint is relatively common in the Marches area as there are limited sources of flint. This means that tools tend to be much smaller and that the waste is reworked rather than discarded. The flint is a light grey colour with a number of darker seams running through it. This type of waste is typical of the Shropshire / Herefordshire area as sites for procuring flint are limited. The flake measures 36.2mm in length, 34.6mm width, is 7.4mm thick and weighs 11.35 grams.