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

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

Find site: Stevns.

Literature: FLINT fra Danmarks oldtid. By Peter Vang Petersen. Page 96-97.

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

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

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 core and flaking it, so the edge became sharp. Flake axes were especially used to work with wood, among other things to produce boats, houses, and other tools. They were practical because they were relatively easy to produce and could be sharpened or replaced.