SNN117183 - Typology of stone implements with shaftholes

The five types of shafthole implement that are successively described are battle axes, axe hammers, mace heads, shafthole adzes, and pebble hammers. Axe hammers tend to be larger versions of certain varieties of battle axe; otherwise the five types can be seen as separate entities. Within two of these entities, the battle axe and mace head, quite extensive ranges of interrelated shapes can be described. Axe hammers generally follow the earlier, less elaborate forms of battle axe, while adzes and pebble hammers are more restricted in morphology. Only battle axes and mace heads have satisfactory associations, and these tend to suggest two separate traditions, with the battle axes linked to Early Bronze Age pottery and metal work, while the mace heads tend towards connections with the Grooved Ware tradition, and a few only, from a limited group, have Early Bronze Age associations. Distributions for each of the five types of shafthole implement, while covering the whole of Britain, tend to focus on individual areas. The distributions of axe hammers made of Groups XII, XIV, XV, and XVIII show a tendency towards regional groupings for the implements made of each of these materials. Increasing availability of petrological determinations makes more meaningful comparisons between all five types of shafthole implement possible. Groups XII and XIV were used almost exclusively for battle axes and axe hammers. Group XVIII was used for all varieties of implements, including axes, and Group XV was used especially for axe hammers and adzes. The mace heads stand out as being different, with a preference for more traditionally Neolithic materials, also used for axes, such as Groups I, VI, and VII, together with XIII and XX. Continued work on petrology in the north of England will expand the picture, and be particularly relevant for the large numbers of axe hammers from this area. More detailed treatment of the implements discussed in this paper will become available with the publication, in British Archaeological Reports, of catalogues and drawings, together with a revised statement of progress in petrological work. A volume is now in preparation.