Girish Mahajan (Editor)

Bann flake

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Bann flake

A bann flake is a large, butt-trimmed, leaf-shaped lithic blade of flint or chert, dating from the Late Mesolithic period in Ireland (6000-4500 BC). They are named after the river Bann in Northern Ireland and were used as spear heads, being attached to wooden shafts. They are part of the Bann culture assemblage.Peter Woodman of University College Cork defines them as large flakes without a significant tang, with only light retouch. They come in two forms: elongated or laminar forms less than 3.2 cm across, or wider leaf shapes having only very peripheral retouch at the butt. This particular Bann Flake is surrounded by rhyolite fond on the site of a medieval solitary settlement in Clogheen townland. This Bann Flake was manufactured with materials that were not found nearby. Geological examinations at NUI Galway suggests that this object is made of rare igneous rock, originated from the Tardee area of County Antrim. Clogheen and The Tardee area are, an estimate 200km apart and it would have taken great effort to transport the rare rock from such a considerable distance. Its presence in the Clogheen area suggests that there must have been an elaborate process in the migration of people, where they took this artifact to other areas as use for trade or its importance as a tool. Its purpose is yet unknown, as it suggests Bann Flake were made of igneous rock, these were not commonly used as tools. The only places that have use for these Bann Flakes are where occur naturally in localized regions.

References

Bann flake Wikipedia