RARE Burin Point Artefact British Stone Age Tool Cornwall Genuine Lithic Engraving Carving

Description

Rare Burin/Point Artefact from Cornwall

This listing presents a rare Burin/Point Artefact from the British Stone Age, discovered in Cornwall. Burins are among the most distinctive prehistoric tools, specifically designed for engraving, carving, and precise cutting. This specimen showcases the ingenuity of early toolmakers who relied on fine-grained stone such as chert or flint to produce sharp, chisel-like edges. Unlike larger chopping or scraping tools, burins were specialised implements used for tasks requiring precision, such as working bone, antler, wood, and even creating detailed engravings on stone.

This artefact is a carefully selected example, with photographs showing the actual specimen you will receive. It offers collectors, archaeologists, and enthusiasts a direct connection to the skill and daily life of Britain’s earliest communities.

Tool Type and Construction

The burin or point tool was created through careful lithic knapping, in which a stone core or flake was shaped by striking and retouching. The defining feature of a burin is its steep, narrow working edge formed by removing small flakes from the tip or side, producing a sharp chisel-like point. This allowed prehistoric craftspeople to achieve fine control when cutting grooves, engraving lines, or shaping materials.

This example shows clear signs of intentional working, with visible flake scars and retouched edges that highlight the controlled craftsmanship. Such tools were highly valued for their precision and durability, often forming part of a hunter-gatherer’s essential toolkit.

Geological Material

The artefact has been made from Cornish lithic material, most likely chert or flint, prized for its durability and predictable fracture pattern. These silica-rich rocks break with conchoidal fractures, producing razor-sharp edges ideal for fine cutting. The choice of this stone reflects a deep understanding of natural resources and their suitability for different tasks.

Cultural and Archaeological Significance

Burin points are strongly associated with the Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic cultural periods, when communities across Britain and Europe used them for engraving and detailed work. In Cornwall, a region rich in prehistoric activity, such finds contribute to our understanding of daily survival, artistry, and innovation.

The burin represents a leap in prehistoric technology: while scrapers and arrowheads served broader functions, the burin was a specialised tool, demonstrating how ancient people adapted their toolkit to meet complex needs. Its use in engraving suggests a role not only in practical survival tasks but also potentially in symbolic or artistic expression.

Collector’s Information

• Artefact Type: Burin/Point Tool
• Cultural Period: British Stone Age (Upper Palaeolithic/Mesolithic)
• Primary Function: Engraving, carving, and precision cutting
• Material: Chert/Flint lithic
• Origin: Cornwall, UK
• Condition: Authentic, with visible retouch and flake scars on the working edge
• Sizing: Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm. Full sizing provided in photos.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Each piece is carefully chosen for its historical and cultural importance. The photographs show the exact artefact you will receive, ensuring transparency and authenticity.

This Burin/Point Artefact is an exceptional piece of prehistoric craftsmanship, offering insight into the technical skill and adaptability of Britain’s early peoples. For collectors, museums, students of archaeology, or enthusiasts of ancient tools, it represents a rare and valuable addition to any collection.