'Plano-convex' Flint knife

DERSB : 1979.342

Flint knife found near Arbor Low, 4000- –3500 years old.

Many stone tools have been found in the landscape around Arbor Low, suggesting this was an important focal point for prehistoric people, but no one really knows why or what people did there. Did people gather here seasonally to meet each other and celebrate festivals? The earthen bank and ditch of the henge were built around 4,500 years ago and can be seen from miles away. Around 500 years later a stone circle was added, hidden from view by the bank of the henge. Archaeologists are still debating whether or not the stones stood upright.

The term 'Plano-convex' refers to the shape of the knife, with one flat (plano) side, and another finely shaped curved side (convex). They are also sometimes referred to as 'slug' knives due to their shape.