Lithics - "is it a flint tool" (publication)

[DaveP]

Here's something for free

If any of you have an interest in stone tools, how they were made and their dates then here's a weighty tome you can download for free. It's just been released by Torben Bjarke Ballin, Director of Lithic Research / Research Fellow, University of Bradford, a lithics specialist who's been really helpful as I've built my knowledge in the field. The publication has the wonderfully inviting and catchy title of "2021: Classification of lithic artefacts from the British Late Glacial and Holocene periods"

https://independent.academia.edu/TorbenBjarkeBallin

This is NOT a pdf but a LINK, and to download a copy you have to click the title and then the URL (where it says: '1 File' - followed by a small arrow).

And if anyone wants help with flint tools and their ID just shout. What I can't do myself I now have a good network who always help out.

[Bors]

Thanks for sharing Chriss. Its Not my forte due to having next to no Flint in the ground in this part of the County but , a very helpful & kind gesture on your behalf it has to be said.Well done m8. only wish I could act on it to take advantage of it..

[DaveP]

only wish I could act on it to take advantage of it..

Thanks Bors - much appreciated.

There is pre-history in North Wales and the lack of natural flint makes flint tools easier to see when they are there. PM me your nearest location and I'll ask around for best spots to wander. In the meantime, have a look here https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Mes ... _280317309

[Oxgirl]

Very interesting , thank you very much for sharing

[HolzHammer]

Thanks for that - very handy.
In my limited experience it is usually, very sadly, "if you think it might be a worked flint it almost certainly isn't." !!!

[DaveP]

I think Cath put the mockers on my field walking. A few cores of different types, some poor scrapers and a load of debitage (rubbish - a bit like the button of the day). Nothing pretty or exciting Mind you, I probably did my 10,000 steps..... and more, on soft, tilled ground. I think I've earned my beer

[DaveP]

Thanks for that - very handy.
In my limited experience it is usually, very sadly, "if you think it might be a worked flint it almost certainly isn't." !!!

It's easier to start in a field where there are no flints! Unless you have an area where there has been a lot of flint working, if flint doesn't occur naturally then it's much easier to spot. Still doesn't make it a worked piece but it makes life easier.
It's also like detecting. Finds are few and far between; then you've got to get through the dross (shotties and buttons), then discount the blank coins and maybe, just maybe, something nice. It's reckoned that arrowheads occur about 1 for every 100 other lithics (but you've still got to find them). And as for the lovely axes etc. - probably less frequent than gold coins.

Just by way of example:

Cores found yesterday - all worked but very run of the mill and could just as well have been left in the field

One of the cores viewed from both sides - one you would pick up, the other you would walk on by.

And the best core I've found on this site after many hours - and I found it digging a hole while detecting!! A lovely little Mesolithic single platform blade core worked all the way round. And only 3.5cm tall

[Bors]

Quote DaveP,...." One of the cores viewed from both sides - one you would pick up, the other you would walk on by."

Nooooooo. Both ! I wouldn`t pickup and I would walk on by totally oblivious to it , In fact I wouldn`t recognise a worked Flint even if it jumped off the ground towards me waving a white Flag shouting ........Worked Flint , Worked Flint ,Worked Flint .

[DaveP]

Nooooooo. Both ! I wouldn`t pickup and I would walk on by totally oblivious to it , In fact I wouldn`t recognise a worked Flint even if it jumped off the ground towards me waving a white Flag shouting ........Worked Flint , Worked Flint ,Worked Flint .

Pete, mate, you're a philistine

I'll let the flint speak for itself - your choice, either a small Neolithic piercer or a Neolithic gesture

[Bors]

Well ,I have to go for the obvious. So a Neolithic gesture.