Description
Rare Neolithic Microlith Artefact – British Stone Age Tool from Scarborough, Yorkshire
This authentic Neolithic microlith artefact is a genuine British Stone Age flint tool discovered in Scarborough, North Yorkshire—a region celebrated for its prehistoric significance and abundant archaeological discoveries. This expertly crafted piece is a remarkable example of early human technology and adaptation, dating back thousands of years. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive. All of our artefacts are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Archaeological and Historical Context
This microlith originates from the Neolithic period (c. 4000–2500 BCE), a transformative era in Britain’s prehistory when communities shifted from nomadic lifestyles to permanent agricultural settlements. During this period, tool-making evolved dramatically as people refined flint-knapping techniques to create highly efficient and durable implements.
Microliths—small, finely worked stone blades—represent one of the most sophisticated achievements of prehistoric technology. Originally developed during the late Mesolithic and continuing into the Neolithic, these slender stone fragments were often used as components of composite tools, such as arrowheads, knives, and spear tips. Their small size and sharp precision made them invaluable for hunting, hide processing, and wood shaping.
The Scarborough region has yielded numerous examples of flint-working, particularly from coastal and river valley sites where Stone Age communities settled. These areas provided abundant access to flint-bearing chalk deposits and natural resources, making them ideal locations for prehistoric habitation and tool production.
Material Composition and Geological Origin
The artefact is made from flint, a fine-grained, silica-rich mineral form of microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂). Flint nodules occur naturally within Upper Cretaceous Chalk formations, formed millions of years ago under ancient seabeds. When struck, flint fractures along curved, conchoidal surfaces, enabling early humans to produce exceptionally sharp cutting edges.
This microlith’s surface displays subtle colour variations—ranging from pale grey to honey-brown—reflecting both the mineral composition and centuries of burial in Yorkshire’s mineral-rich soils. A delicate patina has developed over time, the result of slow chemical interaction with groundwater, giving the surface a smooth, aged appearance that attests to its authenticity and antiquity.
Manufacturing Techniques and Features
This microlith was created through precise flint-knapping, where a larger flint core was struck with a hammerstone or antler billet to detach thin, elongated flakes. The artisan then used careful retouching along the edges to shape the piece into a narrow, symmetrical blade. The result is a compact tool with razor-sharp edges and finely detailed flake scars that clearly show the maker’s skill.
Under close inspection, the microlith reveals characteristic features:
- A bulb of percussion, marking the point of impact from the initial strike.
- Concentric ripple lines radiating from that point, confirming deliberate craftsmanship.
- Finely retouched working edges, ideal for cutting, piercing, or insertion into a wooden shaft.
Measuring approximately 2–3 cm in length (scale rule squares/cube = 1 cm), this artefact exemplifies the microlithic tradition’s balance between precision and practicality. Despite its small size, it embodies the technological intelligence that defined Stone Age survival.
Cultural and Historical Importance
Microliths represent one of the most important innovations in prehistoric toolmaking. By using smaller blades, early humans could produce lightweight, versatile tools suited for a range of applications—from hunting and hide preparation to craftwork. Their modular design also allowed for easy repair and replacement, demonstrating a remarkable understanding of efficiency and resource conservation.
In the context of the Neolithic period, microliths were often incorporated into composite weapons such as arrows or spears, increasing their effectiveness for hunting. They also served domestic functions, used in food preparation or woodworking. The level of craftsmanship required to produce these minute yet functional blades showcases the technical expertise and ingenuity of Britain’s early agricultural societies.
The Scarborough region, with its flint-rich geology and evidence of ancient settlements, provides the perfect provenance for such an artefact. Finds from this area continue to shed light on Britain’s prehistoric landscape, revealing how early humans adapted to new environments, developed trade networks, and advanced their technological skills.
Provenance and Authenticity
This microlith was discovered in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, an area with a well-documented record of prehistoric occupation. It has been examined and verified as a genuine Neolithic flint artefact, consistent with known typological and manufacturing characteristics from British Neolithic contexts.
Each piece is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its age, origin, and identification as an authentic lithic artefact. Its fine preservation and distinct features make it a valuable addition to any collection of prehistoric tools, archaeological specimens, or educational displays.
Owning this genuine microlith offers the rare opportunity to hold a fragment of Britain’s early human story—a meticulously crafted tool that connects us directly to the ingenuity and resilience of our Neolithic ancestors.
Artefact Type: Neolithic Microlith
Cultural Period: Neolithic (c. 4000–2500 BCE)
Material: Flint (Microcrystalline Quartz – SiO₂)
Tool Function: Blade component, cutting or projectile tool
Origin: Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England
Condition: Excellent, with clear retouching and patina
Authenticity: 100% genuine artefact – Certificate of Authenticity included
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