Summary: Use of flint and development of microliths
Key dates:
Flint was the most commonly used material for tools and weapons in the mesolithic period. Much of the flint was found on the banks or beds of rivers or near to the coast. Flint tends to be found in chalk or limestone and this rock is abundant in areas of North East Antrim, such as Ballintoy.
A rock called chert is very similar to flint and is also found in limestone of the lower carboniferous age.
Flint was used for making edged tools and projectile points. It could be shaped quite easily by a process called “knapping”.
Very small flint implements, called micoliths which means “small stone”, have been found. Such microliths, including arrowheads and devices for hunting and fishing, have been found at Mount Sandel.
Some of these very small flint pieces could be set in rows in a wooden handle or shaft which gave them the appearance of a knife. They would have been used for cutting up food.
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