Help ,is this a stone axe

Graig Lwyd 1

Image by Kammer

postman Jul 14, 2006 15:50:49

I found this stone and need help deciding whether its an ancient axe , please read weblog entry of same name and see picture at Graig Lwyd site (N.Wales),any comments welcome.

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/48142

Mr Hamhead Jul 14, 2006 18:12:27

Replying to postman

No its a ruler!

Hob Jul 14, 2006 20:09:38

Replying to postman

Looks the right shape, I suppose the river rolling would account for the lack of any edge.
Might be worth waving it in front of a geologist to see if they could identify the type of stone.
Maybe also worth visiting local museums to see if they have any similar items.

fitzcoraldo Jul 14, 2006 21:35:09

Replying to postman

Hi Postie
it doesn't look like a typical Graig Lwyd type VII axe it's too elongated and the rounded face doesn't quite fit. However there are stone implements that do roughly fit this shape and a stone axe deposited in water could be significant. A couple of profile shots of the stone would be useful, is there any trace of a blade?
I would suggest that you take it along to your local museum or friendly archeo for a more informed opinion.
If you are interested in stone axes I can recommend
Stone axe studies: archaeological, petrological, experimental and ethnographic
T H McK Clough and W A Cummins (Editors)
it's available on-line at
http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/cba/rr23.cfm
with volume 2 here
http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/library/cba/rr67.cfm

Be prepared to be told that it's just water-eroded stone though. I could fill a skip with stones that resemble implements from my beach.
cheers
fitz

StoneLifter Jul 16, 2006 09:45:50

Replying to postman

Yes, probably - don't forget to show it to the county Portable Finds Officer (I'm assuming Wales has a similar scheme to the English one) "Neolithic polished axe". I suppose there's an outside chance it was a whetstone for a long-bladed scythe - the museum guys should know the local types best. It'd look best with a proper shaft.

nigelswift Jul 16, 2006 10:19:57

Replying to postman

If you go to the PAS website http://www.findsdatabase.org.uk/hms/home.php?publiclogin=1
and register on their forum they have an ID section where you can upload your image and the FLOs (and some detectorists) will give you an opinion.

whatisthat Jul 16, 2006 18:52:15

Replying to postman

Although an interesting piece, IMO it does not look like a Craig Lwyd axe. Too long and thin.

postman Jul 16, 2006 22:34:49

Replying to postman

thank you all very much ,you've given me alot to go at ,i feel the answer is near,keep 'em coming

wideford Jul 18, 2006 08:47:45

Replying to postman

Went in the Orkney Museum yesterday and what you have resembles one of the finer ardpoints - the tip of a very primitive plough