Flake from a stone axehead

This stone flake from the cutting edge of a ground stone axehead was found at Cairnpapple in West Lothian. The stone is from Graig Lywd in Wales, where numerous axeheads were made. This is the only known example which has been found in Scotland.

The broad flake may have broken off the parent axehead while in use. The smooth outer surface has a circular depression near its centre.

Two axeheads made from exotic imported stone, from Wales and Cumbria, were found at Cairnpapple in West Lothian. Both seem to come from early activity at this site, which later became a burial site and a sacred meeting place.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-035-617-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.EP 167
• Date: Between 3800 and 3300 BC
  
• Material: Stone, mottled grey; from cutting edge; polished
  Axe / flake
  
• Dimensions: 2.00" D
  
• What: Axe / flake
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, West Lothian, Cairnpapple
  
• Event:
• Description: Flake from the cutting edge of a polished axe of mottled grey stone, from Cairnpapple, West Lothian
  
• References:
  • Clarke, D.V., Cowie, T.G., & Foxon, A. (eds). Symbols of power at the time of Stonehenge. Edinburgh: National Museums of Antiquities of Scotland, 1985, pp 47-8, 243-4. 
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