Are Grime's Graves Neolithic?

Abstract

The view that Grime's Graves and similar flint-mines belonged to a part of the Neolithic age, some archæologists considering them early and others late, was not seriously challenged until Mr. Reginald Smith in “Archæologia” (Vol. LXIIL), and in the “Report on the Excavations at Grime's Graves, 1914,” drew attention to the remarkable parallels between the flint industry of Grime's Graves, and that of the transitional period between Moustier and Aurignac of which the typical site is Abri Audi. To many that evidence has seemed conclusive, but while I recognise how excellent a case for a “Cave” date may be made from the implements alone, I yet feel that, viewing all the available facts, there is still much to be said for considering such flint-mines Neolithic. This is the view held by some at least of our continental confreres who are well acquainted with implements from Mousterian and Aurignacian deposits, and those from flint-mines similar to Grime's Graves, and they still place the latter in the Neolithic age.