Abstract

Stone axeheads are an important aspect of the material culture of the Neolithic period (4000-2500 BC) in Ireland. They were also in use prior to this, during the Mesolithic (before 7000 - 4000 BC) and subsequently in the Bronze Age (from 2500 BC) Since the early 1990s there has been a major, on-going research project (the Irish Stone Axe Project) focussing on the compilation of a computerised database of stone axeheads of Irish provenance. This is to provide a research engine for a range of projects on stone axeheads. The data base contains archaeological and petrological information. The methodlogical aim is to look at axes in terms of a "cultural biography" approach and to critically assess the post-depositional factors that have influenced the archaeological record. To date there are records of over 22,000 axeheads on the database. Using this data the paper will explore the range of lithologies used in the production of stone axeheads in Ireland. There is evidence of quarrying of a number of primary sources as well as the widespread use of secondary sources, such as beach and river cobbles. There are two known quarry sites in northeast Ireland for the major source used, a rock known as porcellanite. Alongside patterns of use of a range of Irish sources, it is clear that axeheads were exchanged between Ireland and Britain during the Neolithic and there are also a small number of axes of continental European origin.