Lietzow-type core axe

The large rhomboidal core axe of the so-called Lietzow type was discovered during the surface research carried out by the geologist Dr Müller or the excavations of Adolf Stubenrauch in the area between Chwarstnica and Lake Wełtyńskie, the district of Gryfino, in August and October 1891. Dr Haas also took part in the research intending to investigate a megalithic tomb and an ashlar cemetery on Lake Wełtyńskie. According to archival records, the axe was found together with numerous splinters and shavings characteristic of the flint manufacture of the community of the Proto-Neolithic period. From the whole collection, only the axe survived. It was made from a large lump of good quality flint excavated from the bottom of a river or stream, evidenced by the worn natural surface and traces of impact on stones. Making the tool was preceded by shaping the round edge of the lump with a hard pestle. Afterwards, several series of splinters were chipped off to reduce it and give it a proper shape. Rebounds shaped the blade on two sides transverse to the long axis of the tool. The chisel has numerous traces of edge damage, which occurred during the use and repair of the blade. The axe from Wełtyń/Chwarstnice is an example of a Proto-Neolithic tool (c. 5400-4100 BC). Similar tools made that way are commonly discovered on the archaeological sites of the Ertebølle culture in Rügen. Items of this type were most often used for woodworking, like modern axes.

Michał Adamczyk