ARROWHEAD

A near complete leaf shaped flint arrowhead (projectile point) of probable early Neolithic date (3000-2500 BC). The arrowhead is 'kite-shaped' in that it is broadly triangular in plan with graduated expanding edges from a pointed tip to a relatively flat, in-turned, base. In cross section the arrowhead is broadly lentoid. The arrowhead has been formed from a broad relatively thick blade, and the upper (dorsal) face has a series of longitudinal blade scars present suggesting that the blade had been removed from a relatively well worked core. The lower (ventral) face shows clear conchoidal fractures; the bulb of percussion and striking platform are both present, although the bulb has been deliberately thinned. The tip and one of the long edges of the arrowhead have been heavily retouched. The reworking consists of pressure 'ripple' flaking which is very neat and regular. However the other long edge is no reworked and instead has an odd looking hinge fracture and notch; this has not been retouched and its presence would suggest that this artefact was struck on a piece of tertiary debitage (waste from tool making). This area may have unbalanced the arrowhead and maybe it would be better to describe it as a bladed tool that resembles an arrowhead? The retouch is limited to the dorsal face. The arrowhead has been knapped from a mid-grey brown coloured flint which shows may have been procured from secondary (riverine / glacial) sources.

The arrowhead measures 30.1mm length, 20.8mm width, is 7.1mm thick and weighs 4.30 grams.