A 5,000-year-old flint axe was found during fieldwork in Włostów (Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Opatów County). The object is associated with the Funnelbeaker culture,” Professor Marek Florek of the Sandomierz branch of the provincial office for the protection of historical monuments told PAP.
The axe is about 20 cm long and 5 cm wide. It was made of sieciechowski flint. A farmer from Włostów came across the find during his fieldwork and handed it over to the “Memory” Historical and Exploration Association. On Monday, the artefact was handed over to the Sandomierz delegation of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments.
“The origins of the axe can be linked to the Funnelbeaker culture and its dating to the fourth millennium BC. This is indicated by the material from which it was made, i.e., sieciechowski flint – the most widely used material by the people of the Funnelbeaker culture. In addition, it is a tetrahedral and partially honed axe – this form also points to this culture,” Professor Marek Florek from the Sandomierz delegation of the provincial office for the protection of historical monuments told PAP (Polish Press Agency).
The researcher admits that although the Neolithic artefact may not have electrified the archaeological community, it is a valuable monument. “Single fragments of axes or flint wares come from Włostów and the surrounding area. About 40 years ago, a grave of a population of the Funnelbeaker culture was also accidentally discovered there. For the time being, it is not certain whether the new find comes from the same site; if it did, it could confirm the presence of a cemetery. The monument itself is well-preserved with display value, suitable for a museum exhibition,” Prof. Florek added.