Description
Rare Neolithic Transverse and Chisel Arrowhead – British Stone Age Flint Tool from Cairn
This rare Neolithic transverse and chisel arrowhead is an authentic British Stone Age projectile point, expertly crafted by early humans over 5,000 years ago. Discovered at or near a prehistoric cairn site, it represents a remarkable example of the technological precision and ingenuity that defined the Neolithic period. The specimen’s distinct form, fine retouching, and patinated surface make it an outstanding artefact of Britain’s early farming communities. The photo shows the exact piece you will receive. All of our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Archaeological and Cultural Context
This artefact dates to the Late Neolithic period (circa 3000–2500 BCE), a transformative era in prehistoric Britain marked by the construction of monumental tombs, stone circles, and complex settlements. During this period, societies transitioned from a purely subsistence-based economy to one with organised farming, long-distance trade, and specialised craftsmanship.
The transverse and chisel arrowhead is one of the most distinctive flint tool types from this time. Unlike earlier tanged or leaf-shaped arrowheads, the transverse variety features a broad cutting edge set across the width of the shaft, allowing it to strike with maximum surface impact. The chisel variant refines this design further, producing a flatter, squared point ideal for penetrating hides and light armour. Both forms demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of aerodynamics and ballistic efficiency — proof of early human innovation in weapon design.
The association of this artefact with a cairn site (a prehistoric stone mound, often used for burials or ceremonial purposes) adds significant archaeological value. Finds from such locations are often interpreted as grave goods or ritual deposits, symbolising protection, power, or status in death as in life. The careful placement of arrowheads within cairns suggests they held both functional and spiritual meaning in Neolithic society.
Material Composition and Geological Formation
This arrowhead was crafted from flint, a durable and fine-grained form of microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) that occurs naturally within Cretaceous chalk formations across the British Isles. Flint was the material of choice for prehistoric toolmaking due to its predictable fracture pattern and exceptional sharpness when freshly knapped.
Flint’s formation began millions of years ago in marine environments, where silica-rich organisms such as sponges and diatoms accumulated on the seabed. Over geological time, silica was deposited in chalk sediments, solidifying into nodules that could be extracted and shaped by early peoples. The natural qualities of flint — hardness, edge retention, and fracture control — made it invaluable for tool production.
The surface of this specimen shows a rich, smooth patina ranging from pale grey to light brown, evidence of long-term mineralisation within the soil. Subtle colour variations, along with flake scars and weathering marks, testify to its great age and burial environment. The flint’s lustre and texture confirm its authenticity and excellent preservation.
Manufacture and Distinctive Features
The transverse and chisel arrowhead was created through the expert process of flint-knapping, whereby a flint core was struck with a hammerstone or antler billet to remove thin flakes. The resulting piece was then refined through pressure retouching along its edges, producing sharp, uniform borders and a flattened cross-section ideal for hafting onto a wooden or reed shaft.
Key features of this example include:
- A finely worked cutting edge positioned perpendicular to the shaft for a broad striking surface.
- A chisel-like terminal point, typical of advanced Neolithic design.
- Visible ripple marks and flake scars showing controlled flake removal and expert craftsmanship.
- Slight edge retouching on both faces, creating a thin and balanced aerodynamic profile.
- A naturally patinated finish, the result of thousands of years of chemical interaction in chalky soils.
The arrowhead likely measured between 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches) across, perfectly sized for hunting or warfare. Its light yet sturdy construction would have allowed rapid flight when mounted on a lightweight shaft, ensuring accuracy and penetration.
Cultural and Functional Significance
Arrowheads such as this one were multifunctional tools — used for hunting, combat, and symbolic display. The Neolithic period saw increasing territoriality and resource competition, making weapons an essential part of daily life. Transverse and chisel points were particularly effective for hunting medium-sized game such as deer or boar, delivering wide cutting wounds upon impact.
Beyond their practical function, arrowheads also held social and ritual importance. They were often placed in funerary contexts, buried alongside the deceased as offerings or status symbols. Their presence in cairn burials links them to the wider spiritual beliefs of the period, suggesting a reverence for craftsmanship and connection to ancestral power.
The development of refined projectile types marks an evolution in human thought — from basic survival tools to weapons designed with precision, symmetry, and purpose. This artefact embodies the transition from utilitarian necessity to symbolic artistry, standing as a testament to human innovation in the late Stone Age.
Provenance and Authenticity
This Neolithic arrowhead originates from the vicinity of a cairn site, providing valuable cultural context and supporting its classification within a ceremonial or ritual setting. The piece has been professionally identified as a transverse and chisel-point arrowhead, characteristic of Late Neolithic Britain.
Each specimen is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its age, typology, and provenance. Its exceptional preservation, balanced form, and association with a cairn context make it a rare and highly collectible example of prehistoric weaponry.
This exquisite artefact is not merely an ancient tool — it is a piece of early human heritage, crafted with purpose and skill thousands of years ago. It offers a direct, tactile connection to the ingenuity, artistry, and spiritual world of Britain’s first farmers and monument builders.
Artefact Type: Transverse and Chisel Arrowhead
Cultural Period: Late Neolithic (c. 3000–2500 BCE)
Material: Flint (Microcrystalline Quartz – SiO₂)
Tool Function: Projectile point – hunting and ceremonial use
Origin: Cairn Site, British Isles
Condition: Excellent; well-formed with visible retouching and natural patina
Authenticity: 100% genuine artefact – Certificate of Authenticity included
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