The Stone Age was a prehistoric period when early humans used stone tools as their primary technology. One of the most important tools of the Stone Age was the stone axe, which served various purposes such as hunting, cutting, and shaping materials.
But what exactly was a stone age axe made of? The answer lies in the name itself – stone. Stone age axes were typically made by shaping a large piece of stone into the desired shape and then attaching it to a wooden handle.
The choice of stone for making the axe varied depending on the region and availability of resources. Common types of stone used for making stone age axes included flint, obsidian, and basalt. These stones were valued for their hardness and durability, which made them ideal for cutting and shaping tasks.
To attach the stone head to the wooden handle, early humans would carve a groove or notch at the top of the handle and secure the stone with natural materials such as sinew or plant fibers. This primitive method allowed for a secure and functional axe that could withstand heavy use.
The Materials Used in Stone Age Axes
Stone Age axes were essential tools for early humans and played a crucial role in their survival and development. These axes were primarily made from organic and inorganic materials that were readily available during that time.
1. Stone: As the name suggests, stone was the primary material used in stone age axe making. Different types of stones, such as flint, basalt, and chert, were commonly used due to their hardness and durability. These stones were shaped into axe heads by a process called flaking, where sharp flakes were chipped off to form a cutting edge.
2. Bone: In addition to stone, bone was another material used in stone age axe construction. Animal bones, especially large and sturdy ones, were chosen for their strength and suitability for tool making. Bones were usually used to create the handle or haft of the axe by cutting and shaping them into the desired form.
3. Wood: Wood was another crucial material used in stone age axe production. It was primarily used to fashion the handle or haft of the axe. Different types of wood, such as ash, yew, and oak, were chosen for their strength, flexibility, and availability. The wood was carefully crafted and shaped to ensure a secure fit with the stone or bone axe head.
4. Animal Sinew/Fiber: Animal sinew or fiber, such as tendons, ligaments, and plant fibers, were commonly used as binding materials to strengthen the axe structure. These materials were used to lash the stone or bone axe head securely to the wooden handle, creating a durable and efficient tool.
5. Adhesives: Early humans also developed simple adhesives to enhance the longevity and effectiveness of stone age axes. Natural substances like tree resins, animal fats, and birch tar were used as adhesives to secure the axe head on the handle or haft, preventing it from becoming loose during usage.
Stone age axes were a significant advancement in tool technology and were essential for various tasks such as hunting, woodworking, and building structures. The materials chosen for their construction reflected the resourcefulness and ingenuity of our early ancestors.
Flint: The Most Common Material
When it comes to Stone Age axes, flint was the most common material used. Flint is a type of sedimentary rock that is easily flaked and shaped into various tools. It was widely available during the Stone Age and could be found in abundance in many regions.
Flint was chosen as the primary material for Stone Age axes due to its hardness and durability. It could be shaped and sharpened into a cutting edge that was effective for various tasks, such as cutting and chopping wood, hunting, and butchering animals.
One of the reasons flint was favored for making Stone Age axes was its ability to hold a sharp edge. This made it an excellent choice for tasks that required precision and control. Additionally, flint could be easily resharpened when it became dull, ensuring that the axe remained functional for a long period of time.
The Process of Making Flint Axes
The process of making flint axes involved a series of steps that required skill and precision. First, a suitable piece of flint was carefully selected and then shaped using other stones or bone tools. The flint was gradually chipped away to create the desired shape, with the cutting edge being carefully shaped and sharpened.
It is worth noting that flintknapping, the process of shaping flint into tools, was a specialized craft that required years of practice and expertise. This skill was passed down from generation to generation, ensuring the continuity of the craft throughout the Stone Age.
Conclusion
Flint was undeniably the most common material used for Stone Age axes. Its abundance, hardness, and ability to hold a sharp edge made it the ideal choice for the creation of these essential tools. The skill of flintknapping ensured that flint axes were expertly crafted and highly functional for the tasks required during the Stone Age.
Obsidian: The Sharpest Cutting Tool
Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass that has been used as a cutting tool for thousands of years. It is formed from rapidly cooled lava, which results in its unique characteristics.
Obsidian is known for its incredible sharpness. In fact, it is sharper than most modern surgical steel blades. This is because obsidian fractures in such a way that it can create a cutting edge that is just a few molecules thin. This property makes obsidian ideal for tasks that require precision and detail.
Stone age peoples used obsidian to create a variety of tools, including axes. These axes were made by carefully chipping away at a larger piece of obsidian until the desired shape was achieved. The resulting axe would have had a sharp, durable cutting edge.
Obsidian was a valuable resource to stone age peoples because of its sharpness and abundance. It could be found in volcanic regions throughout the world, making it accessible to many ancient cultures. Additionally, obsidian was relatively easy to shape and manipulate, making it an ideal material for creating tools.
Today, obsidian is still used for cutting and slicing tasks in certain specialized industries. Its sharpness and durability make it ideal for applications such as surgical scalpels, kitchen knives, and even arrowheads for hunting.
So, while stone age axes may have been made of various materials, obsidian stands out as one of the sharpest and most effective cutting tools of its time.
Other Materials: Antler, Chert, and Wood
In addition to stone, Stone Age people also utilized other materials to create tools such as axes. One material commonly used was antler. Antler, which is the bony growth found on the heads of deer and other similar animals, was durable and readily available. Stone Age people would shape antler into axe heads by carving and polishing it, creating a sharp and effective tool.
Another material used for making Stone Age axes was chert. Chert is a type of sedimentary rock that can be easily fractured to produce sharp edges. Stone Age people would carefully chip away at chert to create axe heads, which could then be attached to handles. Chert was chosen for its ability to hold a sharp edge, making it an ideal material for cutting and chopping.
Wood was also used in the construction of Stone Age axes. A wooden handle, or haft, would be attached to the axe head, creating a sturdy and functional tool. Stone Age people would select a strong and straight piece of wood, such as oak or ash, for this purpose. The wooden handle would be attached to the axe head using bindings made from plant fibers or animal sinew, creating a secure connection.
By utilizing a variety of materials, Stone Age people were able to create axes that were suited to their needs. Whether made from stone, antler, chert, or wood, these tools were essential for hunting, gathering, and shaping their environment.
