The Western Stone Forts Project

The Western Stone Forts Project was initiated to study a distinctive group of large stone forts located along the western seaboard of Ireland. The majority of these forts are concentrated on the Aran Islands County Galway, in the Burren Co. Clare and on the Dingle and Iveragh peninsulas Co. Kerry. Excavations associated with the project were…

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Stone axe from Dun Aonghasa, find no. 1065

Maker: The Discovery Programme

Verwijzing: WSFP_V03_FIG_1065

Type: Image

Formaat: L.60mm; W.43mm; T.19mm

Modified cobble, probably of sandstone rather than quartzite. Sides irregular, expand from the 'butt', naturally flattened. Right side concave, naturally flat. Junctions with 'blade' or broad end. This end is flat in face view and bevelled in section, with a broader area adjoining face 1 and a narrower 'blade' area adjoining face 2. This is a result of working from both faces, giving a markedly asymmetrical 'blade' profile that exhibits junctions with both faces. Broader blade area has distinct pattern of wear striae running perpendicular to the bevel. Faces flat, naturally smoothed. Face 2 appears to have substance adhering in patches to the surface. Butt end rounded in shape. This is a cobble worked at the broad end. Profile is symmetrical; medium, crosssection is sub-rectangular. Form of the object is inconsistent with it being used as an axe or in a related way. Perhaps a type of burnisher.

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