Flintworking in the British Later Bronze and Iron Ages: Acruical Review and Statement of Research Potential

Abstract

This paper pro vides a critical review of the key published literature concerning the continued exploitation of flint for chipped stone tool manufacture into the British later Bronze and Iron Ages. Its primary aim is to identify the main researchers involved, to critically appraise their studies, and to identify issues worthy of further investigation. The first part of the paper deals principally with published landmark studies on the topic. These are addressed in order of publication. Unless directly relevant to these works, site-speciflc later Bronze and Iron Age assemblages are not discussed here. The various models advanced for the complex displacement of lithic technology by metallurgy in later British prehistory are discussed critically. The technological profile of later flaked stone assemblages is also highlighted in the context of broader theories of change in British lithic technology. This review is followed by a short discussion of the current research Potential of later Bronze and Iron Age flintworking in Britain. It is argued that the greatest Potential rests with detailed regional analyses incorporating technological, micro-use-wear, and contextual analysis.