PERFORATED OBJECT

A probably Bronze Age stone shafthole adze dating to the period c.1650 - 1250 BC. The adze is sub-oval in plan with rounded edges. It is bi-convex in profile, with gently curving sides which taper to form a rounded blade at either end which show signs of polishing. The butt end is slightly narrower. The shape has been formed by pecking and grinding. It features a slightly obliquely orientated hourglass-shaped perforation just off centre, indicating the the perforation was worked from both sides.

The adze is similar in plan and profile to Roe, (1979) pp. 38, fig. 13 nos. WA 1/ah & 302 LI 246, however, is markedly larger than either example.

The stone is dark grey in colour with a faint reddish tinge. It has a dense coarse-grained crystalline structure and significant quantities of iron inclusions visible as a network of red-brown stripes and patches across the surface of the object. Smith (1979) and Roe (1979) both state that there is a petrological link between sources of stone exploited for battle axes and those used to make shafthole adzes and that this suggests a chronological link also, battle axes are Bronze Age in date. Dr Phil Harding has suggested a possible source in Cornwall, however, the majority of examples found in the South West are made from ungrouped rocks which makes a precise petrological identification difficult without further analysis.

The adze measures c. 250.0mm in length, 113.88mm maximum width, 76.40mm minimum width, 54.75mm maximum thickness, 5.97mm minimum thickness. The diameter of the performation is 41.22mm maximum, c.17.29mm minimum.

Cf. Roe, F. E. S, 1979, pp. 23 - 36.

Smith, 1979, pp. 14 - 18.

Davis, R. V, Howard, H & Smith, I. F, 1983, pp. 14 - 18.

Thanks to Dr Phil Harding for assistance with this identification and record.