Neolithic Abilly large flint slab "livre de beurre"
Neolithic Abilly large flint slab "livre de beurre"
Neolithic Abilly large flint slab "livre de beurre"
Neolithic Abilly large flint slab "livre de beurre"
Neolithic Abilly large flint slab "livre de beurre"

Neolithic Abilly large flint slab “livre de beurre”

M54

£200.00

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A large late Neolithic brown flint core with flaked edges and cortex remaining on one side. These very large lithics were produced as transportable slabs of flint which were prepared in such a way that they could be chipped to produce smaller sharp flint implements with very little effort. It is suggested that they represent an early form of currency as they were traded in large numbers to areas without natural flint resources.

Flint-working was the primary source of knives, scrapers, chisels and pointed weapons until the advent of copper tools in the Early Bronze Age. These distinctive slabs are often called “motte de beurre” or “livre de beurre” due to their visual resemblance to local artisan butter slabs produced in the Loire Valley.

Whether interpreted as currency or examples of early manufacturing and trade, these large flint slabs provide a visually striking and enigmatic display to the modern eye. The variations in surface between examples show how the slabs were prepared for use, often showing percussion flakes for knives extending along the full length of the surface.

Culture
France, Loire Valley, late Neolithic, 4th or 3rd Millennium BC

Condition
Intact as shown

Size
26.5 x 12 cms

Provenance
Ex. deceased estate, Mons, Belgium; collection acquired mid to late 20th Century. Ink inscription on the edge: “LA DAVIERE ABILLY INDRE-LOIRE (FR)”

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