RARE Blue Chert Leaf Arrowhead Artefact British Stone Age Tool Cornwall Genuine Lithic

Description

Rare Blue Chert Leaf Arrowhead from Cornwall

This is a rare Blue Chert Leaf Arrowhead artefact, a genuine British Stone Age tool discovered in Cornwall. Leaf-shaped arrowheads are among the most iconic and desirable forms of prehistoric weaponry, and this example—crafted from striking blue-hued chert—demonstrates both the skill of ancient knappers and the beauty of natural geology. Carefully shaped into a symmetrical, leaf-like form, this artefact would once have been hafted onto a shaft and used as an arrow or spear point during hunting or combat.

This specimen is not only a functional tool of its time but also an artistic expression of prehistoric craftsmanship. Its material and shape place it firmly within the traditions of Neolithic lithic technology, providing an extraordinary opportunity to own an authentic and highly collectable piece of Britain’s ancient past.

Material and Crafting Techniques

The arrowhead has been made from blue chert, a siliceous stone similar to flint but often rarer in colour. Chert was prized for its hardness and conchoidal fracture, allowing prehistoric toolmakers to shape precise edges through a process known as lithic knapping. Skilled artisans struck the stone with hammerstones, then refined its edges through pressure flaking, producing thin, sharp blades and elegant symmetrical outlines.

The leaf-shaped form is a hallmark of early arrowheads, characterised by a central ridge with pointed tip and base. Unlike later barbed and tanged types, leaf arrowheads were simpler in design yet highly effective, capable of piercing hides and flesh with ease. The choice of blue chert adds visual distinction, with its subtle hues enhancing the natural beauty of this archaeological piece.

Archaeological and Cultural Significance

Leaf arrowheads are strongly associated with the Neolithic period in Britain (c. 4000–2500 BC), a time when communities were transitioning from nomadic lifestyles to farming, animal domestication, and permanent settlements. Hunting, however, remained a vital source of food and materials, and tools like this were indispensable for survival.

In Cornwall, with its rich prehistoric heritage, discoveries of stone tools highlight the region’s role in early farming cultures and its connections to wider trade and exchange networks. Leaf arrowheads are considered important artefacts, not only for their practical function but also for their symbolic role, representing both innovation and adaptation during a transformative era in human history.

Collector’s Details

• Artefact Type: Leaf Arrowhead
• Cultural Period: British Stone Age – Neolithic
• Material: Blue Chert (fine-grained siliceous rock)
• Origin: Cornwall, UK
• Provenance: Genuine authenticated Stone Age lithic artefact
• Condition: Well-crafted, symmetrical leaf form with visible flake scars and sharp edges
• Sizing: Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm. Full sizing shown in photographs.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity for your peace of mind. Each piece is carefully chosen for its quality and historical significance, with the photographs showing the actual specimen you will receive.

This Blue Chert Leaf Arrowhead is more than just a collector’s piece—it is a direct link to the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and survival of prehistoric peoples. For archaeologists, students of history, or collectors of Stone Age artefacts, it offers a rare and beautiful example of ancient lithic technology from Britain’s Neolithic past.