LON-3CB57A: A flaked flint biface adze probably dating to the Mesolithic (10,000-4,000BC) or Neolithic (4,000-2,350BC) periods

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TRANCHET AXEHEAD

Unique ID: LON-3CB57A

Object type certainty: Probably
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

A Neolithic flint tool, probably a biface tranchet axehead known as a 'Thames pick' (4,000-2351BC). This tool is a 'rough out' from a flint nodule or pebble. It is roughly oval in cross section. Viewed edge-on along its longitudinal axis the adze tapers slightly from the broadly rounded butt towards the more pointed cutting edge. Viewed from above, the butt and cutting edge are both rounded and the sides are approximately straight and parallel. There are signs of crushing along sections of both edges. This crushing suggests it was used as a percussor - hammerstone. There are numerous conchoidal fractures and large flake removal scars extending from the edges on both faces. Patches of original cortex also remain on both faces. The flint is dark grey, with no patination.

Length: 152.5mm, Width: 61.7mm, Height: 40.3mm, Weight: 468g

Class: Thames Pick

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: MESOLITHIC
Subperiod from: Early
Period from: MESOLITHIC
Subperiod to: Late
Period to: NEOLITHIC
Date from: Circa 4000 BC
Date to: Exactly 2351 BC

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Length: 152.5 mm
Width: 61.7 mm
Thickness: 40.3 mm
Weight: 468 g

Personal details

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Materials and construction

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

Spatial metadata

Region: London (European Region)
County or Unitary authority: Greater London Authority (Greater London Authority)
District: Southwark (London Borough)
Parish or ward: Surrey Docks (London Borough Ward)

Spatial coordinates

4 Figure: TQ3679
Four figure Latitude: 51.49359401
Four figure longitude: -0.04234424
1:25K map: TQ3679
1:10K map: TQ37NE
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.

Discovery metadata

Method of discovery: Other chance find
Discovery circumstances: Eyes only
General landuse: Open fresh water
Specific landuse: Running water

References cited

No references cited so far.

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Timeline of associated dates

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Audit data

Recording Institution: LON
Created: 7 years ago
Updated: 6 years ago

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