Page:The Ancient Stone Implements (1897).djvu/125

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EXPANDING AT THE EDGE.
103

Suffolk, but the facet at the edge is not quite so distinct. A third from Abingdon is only 41/2 inches long.

A long narrow chisel-like celt of this pointed oval section (8 inches) from Aberdeenshire[1] has been figured. A flint celt from Chiriqui,[2] found with a sort of flint punch and some burnishing pebbles in a grave, presumed to be that of one of the native workers in gold, is remarkably like Fig. 46 in form.


Fig. 47.—Burradon, Northumberland. 1/2
In the Fitch Collection is a large thick specimen (95/8 inches) found at Heckingham Common, Norfolk, and a shorter, broader one with a faceted edge, from Pentney. Another of flint (61/2 inches) with the sides much rounded, but with a similar facet at the edge, was found at Histon, Cambs, and belonged to the late Rev. S. Banks.

It seems probable that these instruments when first made did not exhibit the facet at the edge, but that it has resulted from repeated grinding as the edge became injured by wear.

A celt, apparently of this section, but more truncated at the butt, and with a narrow facet running along the centre of the face, was found in Llangwyllog,[3] Anglesey. It is not of flint but of "white magnesian stone."

Fig. 47 exhibits a beautiful implement of a different character, and of a very rare form, inasmuch as it expands towards the edge. It is of ochreous-coloured flint polished all over, and is in the Greenwell Collection. It was found at Burradon, Northumberland, and in outline much resembles that from Gilmerton, Fig. 76, but this latter has the sides flat and a cutting edge at each end.

A celt of similar form, but only 61/2 inches long, found at Cliff Hill, is in the Museum at Leicester. Four flint hatchets, found at Bexley, Kent, seem from the description given of them to be nearly of this type.[4]

  1. Proc. Soc. Ant. Scot., vol. xvi. 437.
  2. L. Simonin, "La Vie Souterraine," &c., 1867. Mortillet, Mat., vol. iii. p. 101.
  3. Arch. Journ., vol. xxvii., pl. x. 1, p. 164.
  4. Arch. Journ., vol. xlviii. p. 436.