Leitholm
Findspot (20th Century), Axehead (Flint)(Neolithic), Unidentified Flint (Flint)
Site Name Leitholm
Classification Findspot (20th Century), Axehead (Flint)(Neolithic), Unidentified Flint (Flint)
Canmore ID 81633
Site Number NT74SE 31
NGR NT 790 442
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/81633
- Council Scottish Borders, The
- Parish Eccles
- Former Region Borders
- Former District Berwickshire
- Former County Berwickshire
A Neolithic axe made of flint was discovered in 1992 in the garden of a house in School Wynd, Leitholm. It is now in the collections of the National Museum of Scotland.
The axe was made in quite an unusual manner; a flake of flint was shaped to form the axe and the cutting edge was polished to create a fine, smooth surface. Measuring only 85mm in length, this axe is quite small and it is unlikely that it was manufactured for practical use.
It is thought that polished stone axes were made as personal possessions or for ritual purposes; as offerings to gods or ancestors.
Text prepared by RCAHMS as part of the Accessing Scotland's Past project
NT74SE 31 790 442
An unusual type of small flint axehead (length 85mm), made on a flake and with only the cutting-edge polished, was found in 1992 in the garden of a house in School Wynd, Leitholm. Now in the National Museum of Scotland collections, following a Treasure Trove enquiry. Registration no: AF 1108; Crown Office TT no: 471; Daybook no: DB 1992/79.
NMS 1993.
