In accordance with the issues raised in the Prehistoric Group Research Framework 2007 concerning lithics, particularly two of David Field’s suggestions to
- Look at understudied flint groups
- Work to be done on Museum collections
the Prehistoric Group is setting out to combine the two.
About 60 boxes of disparate flint items have been identified at
In the process of this it is hoped to enhance the knowledge and understanding of flint type and chronology for members of Surrey Archaeological Society by their partaking in small working groups to be held fortnightly in
It is hoped we will be supported by members with specific knowledge in typologies to guide us through this task.
Interim reports will be issued in the bulletin recording progress to date, ultimately we hope to establish a comprehensive database recording in detail the items reviewed, and linked to the SMR where possible. Initially starting with an excel listing it is felt an access database would ultimately be desirable, producing infinitely superior searches and reporting. Any access experts are welcome to volunteer to write this for us!!
The research framework naturally posed many issues relating to flint in Palaeolithic times, being one of the few materials to study, but there are also Mesolithic issues to be explored.
The continued use of flint throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages gives a wide timescale to this work and incorporates many different typographies to be discussed.
If it is felt this work is successful, and the results made useful, the project could be extended to other collections in
Aims
- To collate data into one comprehensive record
- To enhance the knowledge and understanding of flint tools
- To disseminate and make accessible information to Society members
