Rare Neolithic Pointed Knife with Serrated Edge British Stone Age Tool from Norfolk | Genuine Flint Lithic Artefact with COA

Description

Authentic Neolithic Pointed Knife with Serrated Edge – British Stone Age Tool from Norfolk

This rare Neolithic pointed knife with a finely serrated cutting edge is an exceptional example of early British craftsmanship from the Stone Age, discovered in Norfolk, England. Created over 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, this artefact represents a genuine link to prehistoric life during the Neolithic period, when early farming communities were mastering the art of flint knapping and tool production. Each piece is unique, shaped by human hands thousands of years ago and preserved through millennia beneath the British soil. The photo shows the exact specimen you will receive, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Archaeological and Cultural Context

The Neolithic era (circa 4000–2500 BCE) marks one of the most significant transitions in human history — the shift from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities. In Britain, this period saw the rise of farming, pottery, polished stone axes, and the construction of monumental sites such as Stonehenge. Tools like this pointed knife played a vital role in daily life, serving multiple functions from animal butchery and hide preparation to woodworking and food processing.

This specimen originates from Norfolk, a region known for its rich archaeological deposits and abundant flint resources. The chalk geology of East Anglia provided an ideal supply of fine-grained flint nodules, which early toolmakers exploited to produce implements of remarkable precision and durability. Flint from this region was valued for its sharp edges and homogeneity, allowing Neolithic artisans to craft tools with both functional and aesthetic quality.

Material, Construction, and Function

Material: Knapped Flint (Siliceous Sedimentary Rock)

Type: Pointed Knife / Serrated Edge Tool

Cultural Period: Neolithic (New Stone Age)

Provenance: Norfolk, United Kingdom

This artefact was expertly knapped from a selected flint nodule, using a combination of hard hammer percussion and fine pressure flaking to achieve a sharp, symmetrical point and serrated cutting edge. The serrations were deliberately crafted, enabling the knife to grip and slice through fibrous materials effectively — a testament to the technological sophistication of Neolithic toolmakers.

The pointed form indicates that this knife could have been used as a multi-purpose tool, ideal for cutting meat, processing plants, or crafting other implements. The careful shaping and retouching along the blade’s edge demonstrate both practical skill and an understanding of ergonomics, as the tool would have been comfortably held in the hand or hafted onto a wooden handle with resin or sinew bindings.

Geological and Historical Significance

The flint used to create this knife was sourced from Cretaceous chalk deposits found across the Norfolk landscape. Over millions of years, silica from marine organisms accumulated within the chalk to form nodules of high-quality flint. These natural materials were highly valued by prehistoric peoples across Europe for their capacity to fracture predictably and form razor-sharp edges.

This artefact offers an extraordinary insight into early human adaptation, showcasing how Neolithic people harnessed the geological resources of Britain to sustain and improve their daily lives. The serrated design also highlights a stage of technological innovation, where functional specialization in tool production began to reflect specific needs within early agricultural societies.

Authenticity and Presentation

Every artefact sold by UKGE LTD is a 100% genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity verifying its provenance. The exact artefact shown in the photograph is the piece you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is shown in the image for accurate size reference.

This rare Neolithic pointed knife is a captivating addition to any collection of prehistoric tools, appealing equally to archaeologists, historians, educators, and private collectors. It represents not only a tangible piece of early British history but also the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors — a genuine hand-crafted tool from the dawn of civilization.