Period: Late Bronze Age (c. 1000-500 BC)

Project title: Leaf knives – flint technology in the Late Bronze Age

Researcher: Anders Högberg, Ph.D. archaeology, Malmö museum, Sweden

E-mail: anders.hogberg(at)malmo.se

Year: 2003

Abstract:

Tools made from large flint blades are common at Bronze Age settlement sites, but there is still some uncertainty as to their function. When flint is used to cut, a particular polish or wear pattern is formed on its surface, characteristic of the material being cut. In this experiment a series of blades will be produced which then will be used in various ways such as in harvesting cereals, peat cutting, grass cutting etc. The ‘modern’ wear patterns will then be compared with those on the original tools. The aim is to gain an understanding of the use of the tools in the Late Bronze Age. The experiment is part of a larger project.

Reference number: HAF 08/03