Period: Late Neolithic and Bronze Age (c. 2350-500 BC)

Project title: Forsøg med sten- og bronzealderens ildslagningsteknologi.

Researcher: Helle Juel Jensen, University of Aarhus

Email: farkkhjj(at)hum.au.dk

Year: 2007

Abstract:

Before matches and lighters were invented, other methods were used to make fire. In the Neolithic and Bronze Age fire was produced by striking flint and an iron-rich stone, such as pyrite or haematite, together to produce sparks.

At this time, the dead were often buried together with a flint fire striker. Some of these stones were much worn, whereas others had barely been used before they were interred together with the deceased.

The question concerns the significance of these fire strikers – were they just “throw-away” tools or did the same stone accompany a person throughout their life?

This project involves an investigation into how long it takes to wear out a fire striker – a month, a year or a whole lifetime?

Reference number: HAF 18/07