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NDAS Lithics Recognition Days (Newsletter No 9 2005)
Some 18 members of NDAS attended the previously advertised ‘Lithics (flint) Recognition’ day-schools on 2nd and 16th April, 2005 at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon. These were conducted by Ann and Martin Plummer and John Newberry, who, as a team, have spent a lot of time familiarising themselves with West Country lithics and in particular have devoted a great deal of their efforts to the North Devon collections.
Each day began with an introduction to the geological sources of flint and chert, their origin and their characteristics. This was followed by an introduction to the processes of stone tool manufacture and the resulting features by which artefacts and manufacturing waste (debitage) may be recognised. Then types of artefact were discussed and introduced one by one. Each day ended with a hands-on session in which people were paired off to examine a bag of assorted items and judge whether they were tools, waste or products of nature.
The purpose of these days was to enable people to recognise
flint and chert artefacts and waste in and on the ground. And in addition,
and most importantly, it was to encourage the reporting of finds to the
County Archaeological Service by means of the so-called ‘white sheets’.
These are record-sheets which can be obtained from the County Archaeologist’s
office in Exeter (01392 382246) on which to register the details of a
find so that it can be added to the Historic Environment Record (formerly
Sites and Monuments Register) and mapped. The accumulation of information
in this way ultimately adds up to a more and more detailed picture of
the past and to greater understanding. Participants apparently found the
day-schools very enjoyable and informative and appreciated the opportunity
for lively discussion. For anyone wishing to have clear guidance on sources
and chronology, however, it was a bit of a sad day. For one thing you
can’t tell where flint comes from by its colour (so much for so-called
black Beer flint!) and for another, the most frequently found artefact,
the scraper could be from any prehistoric period – Ah, well!
The Society’s thanks go to Ann and Martin and John for giving their
time and to the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon for their hospitality
on the day.
See article on Orleigh Court Flints
Copyright © 2007 North Devon Archaeological Society