RARE Bronze Age Scraper Artefact British Tool Cornwall Genuine Prehistoric Lithic Find

Description

Rare Bronze Age Scraper Artefact from Cornwall

Presented here is a rare Bronze Age scraper artefact, a genuine prehistoric tool from Cornwall. This specimen represents an essential implement used by early communities during the Bronze Age, a period spanning roughly 2500–800 BC in Britain. Despite the rise of bronze metallurgy, stone tools such as scrapers remained vital in everyday life, showing the continuity of lithic traditions alongside new technological developments.

This authentic scraper demonstrates the durability and practicality of lithic artefacts, providing a fascinating glimpse into the daily survival strategies of ancient peoples. It has been carefully chosen for its quality and archaeological significance, with the photographs showing the actual specimen you will receive.

Tool Type and Function

Scrapers were multipurpose tools used primarily for cleaning animal hides, a vital process in producing clothing, bedding, and shelter coverings. Their sharp working edges were also effective for woodworking, plant processing, and food preparation, making them indispensable in daily life.

This scraper would have been shaped by knapping techniques, where flakes were struck from a chert or flint core and then retouched to create a sharp, durable edge. The steep working edge visible on this specimen highlights the controlled craftsmanship that went into its manufacture. Its size and form suggest it was hand-held, allowing precision during use.

Geological Material

The artefact is crafted from chert or flint, both silica-rich rocks known for their predictable fracture properties. These materials were preferred in prehistoric toolmaking because they could be shaped into sharp, resilient edges. In Cornwall, sources of suitable lithic material were readily available, allowing communities to produce a wide range of functional tools.

The fine-grained texture of the stone ensured both efficiency and durability, while its natural hardness meant tools could withstand repeated use. Even during the Bronze Age, when metal tools were gradually spreading, stone remained an essential resource for many tasks due to its accessibility and practicality.

Archaeological and Cultural Context

The Bronze Age in Britain was a time of significant change, marked by the introduction of metalworking, new burial practices, and the growth of trade networks. Yet, stone tools such as scrapers continued to be produced and used alongside bronze implements, reflecting their ongoing utility.

Cornwall played a notable role during this period, not only for its prehistoric communities but also as a source of valuable tin, an essential component in bronze alloy. Artefacts such as this scraper highlight the coexistence of traditional stone tool technology with emerging metal industries. They provide evidence of how communities balanced innovation with longstanding practices.

Collector’s Details

• Artefact Type: Scraper Tool
• Cultural Period: British Bronze Age (c. 2500–800 BC)
• Material: Flint/Chert lithic
• Origin: Cornwall, UK
• Provenance: Genuine prehistoric artefact
• Condition: Authentic, with visible knapped flake scars and a steep retouched working edge
• Sizing: Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm. Full sizing available in photographs.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each item is carefully selected for its historical value and quality, with the photographs showing the actual piece you will receive.

This Bronze Age Scraper Artefact is a rare opportunity to own an authentic prehistoric tool from Cornwall, reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Britain’s early communities. For collectors of lithics, students of archaeology, or those with a passion for ancient history, it is an exceptional and meaningful addition to any collection.