HESH-29C257: Mesolithic: Awl

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AWL

Unique ID: HESH-29C257

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation Find awaiting validation

Upper segment of a snapped blade which has been worked into a borer or awl of probable later Mesolithic date (6500BC - 3500BC). The blade is sub-rectangular in plan with a knapped projection off the lower corner. The cross section is slightly crested / lentoid. The bulb of percussion and striking platform can be identified on the reverse of the flake. The left hand edge has been significantly reworked, especially in the lower edge / corner of the blade. Here a V shaped knapped point projects. The point has been knapped from both sides with relatively neat and regular retouch being applied. Awls or borers were a task specific tool used to create pierced holes in organic objects such as hides, antler and wood. They are often present in late Mesolithic and early Neolithic assemblages. The fact this is struck from a blade would suggest a Mesolithic date. The flint is a grey colour with a milky patina.

The awl measures 25.7mm length, 18.3mm width, is 4.5mm thick and weighs 1.98 grams.

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MESOLITHIC
Subperiod from: Late
Period from: MESOLITHIC
Date from: Circa 6500 BC
Date to: Circa 3500 BC

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 25.7 mm
Width: 18.3 mm
Thickness: 4.5 mm
Weight: 1.98 g

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: HFD Entry Form No: HFDMG 2281

Materials and construction

Primary material: Flint
Manufacture method: Knapped/flaked
Completeness: Complete

Spatial metadata

Region: West Midlands (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: County of Herefordshire (Unitary Authority)
District: County of Herefordshire (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Canon Pyon

Spatial coordinates


Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Metal detector
General landuse: Cultivated land
Specific landuse: Operations to a depth greater than 0.25m

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Find number: HESH-3DD7A2
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Borer or awl of probable late Mesolithic date (6500BC - 3500BC). The flint tool is sub-triangular in plan and in cross section. The bulb of pe…
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Find number: HESH-187160
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Lower segment of a snapped flint blade worked into a borer or awl of probable late Mesolithic date (6500BC - 3500BC). The flint tool is sub-tr…
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Timeline of associated dates

Audit data

Recording Institution: HESH
Created: 11 years ago
Updated: 5 years ago

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