File:Neolithic,possible polished axe head (FindID 249165-274211).jpg

English: Possible polished axe-head or model of an axe-head of later Neolithic (2900-2100 BC). There is a great amount of debate in the identification of this artefact. In shape and form it is very similar to known polished axes of the Neolithic period, however, it seems to have been formed from a sedimentary 'mud stone' rock. This is highly unusual as the stone is thought to be too soft for tool production, hence the alternative interpretation as a potential model, in that it looks and would have acted as an axe in every way apart from being functional. The mudstone axe is shaped, probably knapped, ground and partially polished. It is formed from a mid-grey coloured mudstone with fine silica like inclusions. Several bedding planes are present and recent damage has split some surfaces away. The axe is broadly sub-rectangular in plan and irregular, with a distinctive humped face, in cross section. In plan the sides of the axe taper from the widest point behind the cutting edge to a relatively narrow rounded butt. The sides of the axe have been heavily abraded but there is distinct evidence of polished side facets. The cutting edge is largely complete and well defined; it is a flat crescent shape in plan with some evidence of distinct facets formed from sharpening and polishing. The facets cannot represent weathering and splitting along bedding planes as they extend in opposition to the bedding plane / seams in the rock. This suggests that they have been deliberately formed through polishing rather than formed through happenstance or accident. The butt of the axe is incomplete with a series broken laminating scars present. The axe measures 106.3mm length, a maximum of 64.7mm width, and is a maximum of 21.4mm thick. The axe weighs 194.79 grams. The axe has been damaged in several areas. Some of this has occurred relatively recently. The recent damage can be seen as a number of distinct laminating fractures which have been caused either by weathering (frost-action) whilst in the plough-zone, or by movement. Some are relatively deep. The axe is a mid grey colour with several areas of smooth well polished surface. The areas of damage have been outlined above. It is impossible to source axes such as these without a detailed petrological analysis of the rock. This would allow the original source of the rock to be established. However, the weathered colour of the mudstone is similar to that seen in glacial and riverine deposits in South Shropshire. If this axe is not functional as a tool it is possible that it has been formed as a model. This may have served a purpose within ceremonies or may be thought of as a trial piece or play thing. The findspot of this artefact also suggests a Neolithic date in that it was found in an area where other flint artefacts have been found in a setting where there are not similar mud-stone rocks. It therefore suggests that it is foreign within the immediate area of the find and so has been transported to the area for a reason. It is highly likely that it may never be truly attribute a function or Neolithic date to this artefact. However, it is important enough for a record to be made so that it can be assessed against known archaeology in the areas and in light of further archaeology and artefacts discovered in the future.