File:HESH-DDC421detail5 (FindID 384394).jpg

English: A complete but heavily rolled / abraded ovate-like handaxe of probable Palaeolithic date. In plan the axe is broadly oval in plan (with a relatively wide flat butt and pointed tip); and it is a pointed oval shape in profile. In cross section the axe has a clear humped shape. The axehead is bi-facially worked although some of the flakes on both the dorsal and ventral faces are invasive with hinge fractures suggesting they are a result of uncontrolled 'natural flaking' through movement in the soil. The dorsal (upper) face of the axe has been worked in many differing directions and controlled flake scars can be seen in many places. The point of the axe has been removed through modern damage but the flake scars suggest an area of multiple flake retouch being present. The ventral (reverse) face has many heavily abraded flake scars; it is possible that these have been water washed resulting in the creation of a smooth surface. A large flake scar is present toward the point and this may be evidence of a transverse / tranchet like flake being removed. Evidence of multi-face working can be seen around the edges of this face, again the tip of the axe is removed by modern damage. The two long edges of the axe have a slight S shaped undulating profile characteristic of axes of this type.

The handaxe measures 76.3mm length, 55.0mm width, is 20.3mm thick and weighs 73.33 grams.

The flint is a mid brown colour and has developed a thick yellowish buff coloured patina; this has been removed in places by modern damage. This form of ovate (or Cordate) handaxe is often described as Acheulian (after a type site in Northern France or Mode 2 (after Butler 2005) and is dated to the Lower - Middle Palaeolithic period (Butler 2005 63-64) which pre dates the last glacial period being broadly 400,000- 100,000 BC. It is highly unlikely that the flint which forms this handaxe was procured locally due to the poor quality and small size.

This artefact is archaeologically important as almost no Upper / Middle Palaeolithic flint is known from Shropshire and the Western side of the Midlands. During the period the English Midlands is on the fringe of known human activity. Only one other Palaeolithic flake has been recorded by the PAS from Shropshire<a href="../../../database/artefacts/record/id/117300"> HESH-2BFA86</a> (this dates to the upper Palaeolithic period, 40,000 - 10,000 BC). At present the PAS has only 38 records of Palaeolithic activity in the West Midlands, the majority being recorded from the Herefordshire / Gloucestershire border or Warwickshire. One worked flint implement has been recorded from Staffordshire which may be Palaeolithic in date (<a href="../../../database/artefacts/record/id/257602">WMID-C717F3</a>).