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ADZE
Unique ID: LVPL-9F49F4
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A polished stone adze of prehistoric date, probably Neolithic, formed from a light sandy-brown coloured stone. The stone is very soft and has been polished smooth on each face. It is possibly formed from a sandstone variant.
The adze is sub-triangular in plan with a wide cutting edge tapering to a narrow rounded butt end and a sub-square cross-section. The object has a thick convex cutting edge measuring 10mm thick which is rounded and worn. One edge of the cutting edge has been damaged probably in recent times. The cutting edge measures 61mm in width.
The sides of the adze are straight, narrowing in width towards the butt end. The rounded butt end measures 11mm in width and is 18mm thick.
Dimensions: 170mm in length, 61mm in width, 38mm thick, 358g
The cutting edge of the object has a reddish-brown patina which thickens slightly. It has been suggested that this may be due to the cutting edge being in water or having been used to grind a red substance such as ochre. However scientific analysis would be required in order to discover the reason for this staining.
An adze is an asymmetrical flaked axe with an arched blade; in this case it has been polished smooth, used for cutting or shaping large pieces of wood.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: NEOLITHIC
Period from: NEOLITHIC
Period to: NEOLITHIC
Date from: Circa 4500 BC
Date to: Circa 2500 BC
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 170 mm
Width: 61 mm
Thickness: 38 mm
Weight: 358 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 24th December 2016 - Saturday 24th December 2016
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Primary material: Stone
Manufacture method: Knapped/flaked
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: North West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Bury (Metropolitan District)
District: Bury (Metropolitan District)
To be known as: Radcliffe
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: Centred on field
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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