Photograph, of making a flint scraper

Add to album

This photograph shows one stage in the process of making a flint scraper. The flake which will become a scraper and the flint core from which it was struck off are both held up to the camera.

Flint objects were made by early people using a process known as flint knapping. A flint core was either struck directly with an object like a hammerstone, or a wooden or bone hammer was held against the flint and struck. It required skill to produce a range of tools.

Modern attempts to duplicate the skills and objects of early people have led to increased understanding - and respect - for their methods. Such reconstructions also help archaeologists interpret the discovered remains.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-180-000-598-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: 2000
  
• Material:
• Dimensions:
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where:
• Event:
• Description:
• References:
  • Chasing the Deer. On the National Museums of Scotland website http://www.nms.ac.uk/education 
• Translations:
• Related Records: