Danish Stone Age. Symmetrical edge-flaked flake axe in brown flint. Late Ertebølle period: 4500-3900 B.C.

Danish Stone Age. Symmetrical edge-flaked flake axe in brown flint. Late Ertebølle period: 4500-3900 B.C.

Find site: Stevns.

Literature: FLINT from Denmark's ancient times. By Peter Vang Petersen. Page 96-97.

Measurements approx. : 11,6c5,8x2,5 cm.

Condition: The axe is in good condition with a fine, highly sought-after brown patina on the flint, see pictures.

The Ertebølle period lasted approximately 5400-3900 B.C. and was a hunter-gatherer culture, where people lived by hunting, fishing and gathering. The flake axes are some of the period's characteristic tools. They were produced from flint by striking a thin slice from a flint nodule and flaking it, so the edge became sharp. The flake axes were especially used to work with wood, including the production of boats, houses and other tools. They were practical, as they were relatively easy to produce and could be sharpened or replaced.