Greenstone and jade axes: sacred objects or practical tools?. Alpine jade axes and greenstone axes are often classified in archaeology as ritual or sacred items Flint axes become more impact-resistant when polished smooth, eliminating fracture points where pressure builds up Unmarked, unused-looking greenstone axes in burials may represent the best possible tool given to the deceased rather than purely symbolic objects
Are Alpine jade and greenstone axes ritual objects, or simply top-quality tools? Polishing flint boosts impact resistance by removing weak fracture points. Pristine greenstone axes in burials may represent the finest gear given to the deceased rather than purely symbolic items. The preserved examples are just a tiny fraction of everyday Neolithic tools. 🪨
Key Facts
- Alpine jade axes and greenstone axes are often classified in archaeology as ritual or sacred items
- Flint axes become more impact-resistant when polished smooth, eliminating fracture points where pressure builds up
- Unmarked, unused-looking greenstone axes in burials may represent the best possible tool given to the deceased rather than purely symbolic objects
- Greenstone and other precious stone axes preserved in burials represent only a tiny fraction of everyday axes used in Neolithic communities
Source: What About the Timber? The Missing Piece of the Neolithic Puzzle by The Prehistory Guys