AXEHEAD

Neolithic flaked and polished stone axe, c. 3500 - 2100BC

The axe is near-complete (with a length of 164mm and a weight of 381.9g) with a few recent flaking scars and some rounding through water-rolling. The butt is narrow and moderately straight (with a width of 24mm). Both sides are convex, reaching their widest position (of 58.7mm) close the blade edge (46mm from the edge). The widest point is also close to the point of maximum thickness of the axe (at 31.0mm, 54mm from the blade edge). Both faces are convex across both their lengths and widths, with remnants of partially ground flaking scars surviving, mostly around the edges. The faces also have a pecked concave facet at the same position, on both sides (with a length of 26mm and width of 20mm). The blade edge (with a width of 53.3mm) is moderately curved and asymmetrical. There are two post-manufacture flaking scars, which have damaged the edge and are evident on one face. There is a flaw in the stone evident near the blade on the other face. The surface has a green-grey weathered patina with traces of marine concretions in recessed areas.

It has not been possible to obtain a precise geological identification for the stone type, which appears to be igneous. The axe surface is weathered and worn with no fresh stone exposed.

The pecked facets on each face are of interest and are difficult to interpret. It is possible that they were created to facilitate hafting, perhaps to reduce slippage and rotation in the haft. Mark Edmonds (pers. com.) has suggested that the pecking may be the start of attempting to perforate the axe to adapt it into a macehead. Perforated axes have been recorded, although the smaller hole is usually nearer the butt and probably for suspension. Maceheads made from blade are more common in Continental Europe than Britain.