Stone Age Arrowhead

Archaeologists have unearthed a delicate 5,000-year-old flint arrowhead, which could be the work of a Stone Age master craftsman.

18:29 13 July 2016

Archaeologists have unearthed an inch-long barb of flint, believed to be 5,000 years old, at Marden Henge. It is considered to be one of the most pristine Stone Age arrowheads ever found in Britain.

 

Five years earlier, the have discovered another larger part just seven feet away.

 

David Dawson, director at the Wiltshire Museum, said: 'The arrowhead was in two parts. One was excavated in 2010 and the second part - the long tail - was found last year.

 

'They are now on display after they were put together for the first time in over 4,500 years.

 

 Dr Jim Leary, one of the archaeologists who led the excavation, described arrowhead as “truly unique.”

 

'It wasn't an arrowhead to be used in everyday circumstances like hunting. This belonged to somebody who was showing off their ability of craftsmanship.

 

'You can imagine the annoyance and shouts of anger when the incredibly fragile tail part snapped off.

 

'It terms of quality this is totally unique for this period in this country. If you want find anything similar in terms of craftsmanship you would have to go to the continent.'

 

Experts believe that the arrow could belonged to the chief of Noelithic tribe at the time.