Late Mesolithic to Early Neolithic flint borer. From Silkstead, Otterbourne, Hampshire.

Late Mesolithic to Early Neolithic flint borer. From Silkstead, Otterbourne, Hampshire.

Flint borer

Late Mesolithic or Early Neolithic

Surface find collected from Silkstead, Otterbourne, Hampshire

This borer would have been fashioned from a flake struck off of a flint core using a stone or antler hammer. The pointed end of the borer could have been used to make holes in hides and other like materials, so they could be made into functional items such as clothing. Interestingly, the colour of this flint does not appear to be native to the Silkstead area, suggesting evidence for trade in flint at this time.

Late Mesolithic to Early Neolithic flint borer. From Silkstead, Otterbourne, Hampshire.