ADZE

A complete knapped flint adze or axehead of Mesolithic date. It has an asymmetrical hexagonal cross-section with comparable areas above and below the median line; where the upper surface thins the lower surface thickens and vice versa along the length of the artefact. A small patch of cortex remains in a slight depression central on the upper surface; flaking has otherwise removed all of the cortex. On the upper surface there are three long removals at the tip at the distal end, one central, the others to each side (cf. an adze illustrated in Butler 2005, 106; ref. 42.1). At the tip are further, shorter flakes, possible sharpening removals; some losses revealing light-grey flint through the more orange patinated surface are probably post-depositional damage. On the lower surface the flaking is less clear, with possible 'tranchet' removals perhaps a result of heat damage alongside short longitudinal flaking at the other side. The butt end curves round at an angle to the main body of the artefact. This curvature allows for easier holding of the object, although it was probably hafted. The internal side is slightly battered, while the external, longer side appears to have suffered more from heat damage. A few other removals suggest at unintended losses due to flaws in the flint but the flint otherwise has crisp removals. The flint is an underlying mid/light-grey colour with some darker seams and patches of light/mid-orange iron staining.