RARE Fluted Arrowhead Artefact British Stone Age Tool Cornwall Genuine Prehistoric Lithic Find

Description

Rare Fluted Arrowhead Artefact from Cornwall

This is a rare Fluted Arrowhead Artefact, a genuine British Stone Age lithic tool originating from Cornwall. Fluted arrowheads are remarkable for their distinctive longitudinal grooves, known as flutes, which were created during manufacture to facilitate hafting and improve the efficiency of the point. These grooves are both functional and aesthetic, demonstrating the advanced skill of prehistoric knappers who produced them.

This specimen represents a true example of prehistoric craftsmanship and innovation, reflecting the ingenuity of early toolmakers in Britain. It has been carefully chosen for its quality and historical importance, and the photographs show the actual piece you will receive. The artefact is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Tool Type and Function

Arrowheads were essential tools of Stone Age communities, serving both in hunting and, potentially, conflict. The fluting technique was particularly innovative: by removing long, narrow flakes from the base or body of the point, knappers created grooves that made it easier to haft the arrowhead onto a shaft with sinew or plant fibres. This secured attachment improved stability in flight and penetration on impact.

The sharp tip, symmetrical body, and finely worked edges of this piece reveal careful planning and skill. Tools of this type would have been used for hunting game, ensuring survival by providing food and materials such as hides and bone for everyday use.

Geological Material

This arrowhead is made from flint or chert, silica-rich rocks that fracture in a predictable conchoidal manner. These materials were the most common choice for prehistoric knappers due to their ability to produce extremely sharp edges and their durability in use. Cornwall offered access to suitable lithic resources, enabling communities to produce a wide range of functional and refined tools.

The visible flake scars, fluting marks, and retouched edges on this specimen highlight the precision of its manufacture, demonstrating both functional intent and aesthetic control.

Cultural and Archaeological Significance

Fluted arrowheads are rare in the British context and are typically associated with advanced knapping traditions of the later Stone Age. Their presence suggests not only technical skill but also cultural exchange, as fluting techniques are more commonly associated with wider prehistoric traditions.

In Cornwall, artefacts like this contribute to the understanding of settlement, hunting practices, and technological adaptation. They show that communities were not only concerned with practicality but also with refining and experimenting with new methods to improve tool performance.

Such tools reveal the adaptability of Stone Age societies, reflecting their ability to innovate in response to the demands of survival. The fluted arrowhead, with its complex shaping, represents a higher level of craftsmanship than simpler arrowhead forms, making it particularly significant for collectors and researchers.

Collector’s Details

• Artefact Type: Fluted Arrowhead
• Cultural Period: British Stone Age (later Neolithic traditions)
• Material: Flint/Chert lithic
• Origin: Cornwall, UK
• Provenance: Genuine authenticated prehistoric artefact
• Condition: Authentic, showing fluting grooves, sharp edges, and refined symmetry
• Sizing: Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm. Full sizing visible in photographs.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each piece has been carefully selected for its historical and collector value, and the photographs provided show the actual specimen you will receive.

This Fluted Arrowhead Artefact is a rare and outstanding example of prehistoric lithic technology. For collectors, archaeologists, or those fascinated by Britain’s ancient past, it offers a unique opportunity to own a genuine Stone Age artefact from Cornwall, embodying both survival utility and skilled craftsmanship.