Stone axehead, Dalbeattie
Haugh of Urr
Description Neolithic polished stone axe head. Large with
rounded profile tapering to a pointed butt. Sharp curved blade. The
surface has several chips,including the blade. Fined grained, green
with black specks. This object has traces of an old Victorian era
collectors label.
Despite the large demand for axeheads for forest clearance,
neolithic peoples took great trouble to obtains the best material,
and good stone was traded over considerable distances. The rock had
to be strong and capable of bearing a sharp edge without wearing
down or shattering. Underground seams of flint were exploited at
places such as Grime's Graves in Norfolk where red deer antlers
were used as picks, and shovels were made from the shoulder blades
of cattle. In the north and west, igneous rocks were used, and
often traded into flint country because of their superior strength.
Amongst the most important sources of rock were Great Langdale in
Cumbria, Graig Lwyd in Wales, Tievebulliagh Hill in Antrim and
Penwith in Cornwall.
PREHISTORIC ANTIQUITIES
Stone Implements, &c
1. Axe of Felstone, 8 1/4 inches long by 3 inches across the
cutting end, sharp at both ends, with flat sides. Found at
Dalbeattie.
Dr Grierson's Manuscript "Catalogue of Museum"
423. Stone Celt. Measures 8 inches by 3 inches. Presented by
Mr William McBride of Dalbeattie, 1863. [sketch]
Object no :
RPD0045n
Collection :
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
L 195mm, B 37mm, W 75mm
Materials :
stone
Location :
Haugh of Urr
Accession number :
DUMFM:1965.91
Copyright :
Dumfries & Galloway Council
