Flint & Chert fragments, Eskdalemuir

This collection of chert, quartz and flint were all found in the Eskdalemuir area, a place of significant archaeological interest.   Fragments of chert, most likely used in the construction of stone tools. Chert was a key material in the production of axes during this period, and also has the ability to create sparks when struck against iron, making it ideal for starting fires.   In 1957 more than 200 flint and chert microliths, cores and core scrapers were found at two chipping floors on the Eskdalemuir hillsides. Sometimes forestry work provides archaeologists with opportunities they do not have when land is under rough pasture. These worked stones were recovered from forestry drains. The find also included two fragments of pitchstone, which has very good flaking properties and was much sought after for the manufacture of stone tools. There are two possible sources of this pitchstone, Corriegill near Annan or the island of Arran. If it was the latter hunter gatherer peoples were either highly mobile or trading over considerable distances.