DEBITAGE

Flint waste flake (debitage) from tool production of probable Neolithic date (3500 - 2100 BC). The flake is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and sub-triangular in cross section. The bulb of percussion on the reverse of the flake is complete, but a section has been partially removed by subsequent working. It is likely that this flake was a by-product (or waste flake / debitage) of tool making; if this is the case then it is from the tertiary / third phase of tool making as there is no evidence for cortex on the flint. This waste flake has then been re-used or utilised to form a scraper (side scraper) like tool. The evidence for this is the secondary flaking or retouch along one edge. This retouch is relatively regular and there is evidence on both sides for polishing through use. The flint flake is a mid mottled grey colour, with a number of large white flecks running through it. A possible source for this flake is from a riverine or glacial deposit rather than from an area where flint occurs more frequently. This type of tool is typical of the Herefordshire / Marches area as sites for procuring flint are limited. This results in primary, secondary and tertiary waste flakes being utilised to make tools such as this.

Dimensions: 25.5mm, 23.6mm, 6.7mm 4.32 grams.