Research Items

Abstract

‘Diminutive’ Flint Implements Diminutive flint implements to be distinguished both by their form and their cultural associations from the microlith of upper palaeolithic and early neolithic age have been found in pliocene and pleistocene deposits in Suffolk, Lincolnshire and the Thames Valley. In describing their characteristics, Messrs. J. Reid Moir and J. P. T. Burchell point out (Antiquaries J., 15, 2) that on two previous occasions only, so far as they can ascertain, have similar implements been recorded, the first being by M. E. Pittard in 1908 in the valley of the Rebieres, Dordogne, and the second in the account of the implements found with the relics of Peking man in the cave of Chou Kou Tien. These diminutive implements do not show the characteristic forms of the microlith, but are rather diminutive forms of the industries with which they have been found in association. As regards their age, the specimens now described belong to four different periods, of which the latest is much older than upper Aurignac. The earliest of the Suffolk implements are of pliocene age and pre-palaeolithic type, coming from the Suffolk bone bed beneath the Red Crag. Next comes St. Acheul and early Le Moustier series from the ‘Middle Glacial Gravel’ (held to be of second Interglacial age) underlying the upper chalky boulder clay. Next are implements from the Upper Chalky Boulder Clay; and lastly those from the Lower Floor of late Le Moustier or early Aurignac age in Bolton and Co.'s brickfield, Ipswich. The Lincolnshire implements come from the 100 ft. and 50 ft. raised beaches below the brown boulder clay, and are middle to upper Le Moustier; and those from the Thames Valley come from the base of the 50 ft. terrace of post-Combe rock age, while others may be derived from the Boyn Hill 100 ft. terrace and possibly from the 50 ft. terrace of pre-Combe rock age. The maximum length of these flints is two inches and the minimum is f in. Their purpose seems beyond conjecture.