An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s6.t1.2

v1.c9.s6.t1.2

The following tool types are represented: 1, Axe, with a triangular shape and elliptical to lenticular cross-section, the butt both pointed and rounded, the average total length being 10 to 13 cm, with the working edge 5 to 6 cm, the edge usually polished, straight, median and slightly convex. The following subtypes are noticed: (a) broad flat axe with slightly convex sides, short body and broad butt; (b) medium to small thin axe with the edge slightly at an angle to the long axis; (c) axe with a flaring edge and concave sides; (d) sturdy and heavy axe with a pointed butt; and (e) slender, longish medium-size axe. 2. Chisel, with parallel sides, width of the butt being almost equal to that of the edge, and a plano-convex cross-section, the polished edge sometimes bevelled. 3. Pick, with a long slender body, straight sloping sides, a semicircular exquisitely polished and sharpened edge and symmetrically rounded narrow butt. 4. Squat, massive and heavy axe hammer, the maximum weight being 1700 g, having a heavily battered butt and edge, circular cross-section at the butt becoming elliptical towards the broader end. 5. Ringstone, the largest specimen, reconstructed from the halves, appearing to have a diameter of 9 cm, with a 3 cm wide bore sloping down to an hour-glass perforation of 1·5 cm, the maximum and minimum weight of the complete specimens being 500 and 200 g. As the narrow perforations do not suggest their use as weights for digging sticks, they were probably used either as bolas or net-sinkers.