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

Description

Rare Bronze Age Scraper Artefact from Cornwall

This is a rare Bronze Age scraper artefact, a genuine prehistoric lithic tool from Cornwall. Scrapers such as this were indispensable during the Bronze Age, used for essential tasks such as hide preparation, woodworking, and food processing. Although metalworking was spreading rapidly during this period, stone tools retained a vital place in daily life, offering a practical and accessible alternative for many activities.

This specimen is authentic, carefully selected for its archaeological value, and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs provided show the actual scraper you will receive.

Tool Type and Function

The scraper is a hand-held tool created through careful lithic knapping techniques, where flakes were struck from a stone core and retouched to produce a sharp, durable edge. The steep retouching visible on this example indicates it was designed specifically for scraping tasks.

Scrapers were crucial in processing animal hides, transforming raw skins into usable leather for clothing, bedding, and shelter coverings. Their strong edges also allowed them to be used in woodworking and plant material preparation, making them multipurpose tools that every community relied upon. This specimen’s form reflects the balance between practicality and durability, ensuring that it could be used repeatedly without losing effectiveness.

Geological Material

This artefact is made from chert or flint, both fine-grained, silica-rich rocks that fracture in a predictable conchoidal manner. This quality allowed prehistoric knappers to craft tools with razor-sharp edges, tailored for specific tasks. Flint and chert were among the most common materials used for tool production in Britain, chosen not only for their sharpness but also for their durability.

The texture and fracture patterns visible on this scraper highlight the expertise of its maker. Even during the Bronze Age, when bronze and copper tools were increasingly common, stone remained a preferred choice for scrapers because of its abundance and effectiveness.

Archaeological and Cultural Significance

The Bronze Age (c. 2500–800 BC) marked a transformative era in Britain, characterised by the introduction of metallurgy, new settlement structures, and far-reaching trade networks. Cornwall, in particular, was a significant region due to its rich tin deposits, a key ingredient in bronze production. Despite this new metalworking industry, stone tools like scrapers continued to be produced and used, demonstrating their practicality and the deep-rooted traditions of lithic technology.

Artefacts such as this scraper reveal how communities combined innovation with continuity, adopting metal for some tools while still relying heavily on tried-and-tested stone implements for daily tasks. This balance underscores the adaptability and resilience of early societies in Britain.

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 authenticated prehistoric artefact
• Condition: Authentic, with steep retouched working edges and visible knapping scars
• Sizing: Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm. Full sizing is visible in the photographs.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each specimen is hand-selected for its historical significance and quality. The photographs show the actual piece you will receive.

This Bronze Age Scraper Artefact is an important piece of Britain’s prehistoric heritage. For collectors of lithics, students of archaeology, or those fascinated by ancient history, it represents a rare and meaningful addition to any collection, offering a direct link to the survival skills and ingenuity of Bronze Age communities in Cornwall.