|
| |
[< Gallery Home | Latest Images | Top 100 | Submit Picture >]
102581 Pictures << Previous Picture | Next Picture >> Graig Lwyd Neolithic Axe Factory[650 x 487 JPG]
 Print
Unless otherwise stated, this image is the copyright of the submitter. Contact them for permission to reproduce it. |  | | Description | Graig Lwyd Neolithic Axe Factory sits on the extinct volcano above the North Wales coastal town of Penmaenmawr. Spectacular views abound, with panoramic views to the Tal Y Fan mountain to the south, the Great Orme to the east, and Anglesey to the west.
Access is questionable; the 'volcanic plug' from which was taken microdiorite or augite granophyre is on top of a ridge which is still being quarried on its east and north sides for rocks of different geological specifications. The outcrop can be easily viewed at SH 717749, to the north west in favourable weather conditions from the same location as Druids' Circle, Moelfre Stone Row / Alignment, and Circle 278.
The rocks used for the axe making were broken off the cliff in a suitably sized, workable block. Using a hammerstone, flakes were then broken off to get the stone closer to the desired product's shape. It was then removed from the mountainside for the final shaping and much longer task of polishing, and eventually placement in the end of a long wooden handle.
Flakes, hammestones, and axe heads have been found in a variety of stages of production at Graig Lwyd. All over England and Wales axe heads from this location have been found, which is referred to as the third largest neolithic axe factory. Bangor Museum has exhibits relating to this important archaeological site.
According to my CADW guidebook grid ref and diagrams, the rock faces quarried will be in the ridges in the centre of the top of this mountainside, which is seen from the south east. |
| Posted Comments: TimPrevett
(2004-04-17) | There are also some axe heads from Graig Lwyd on show at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery. |
To post comments first you must Register! | |
Megalithic Portal eGallery, images of megaliths and prehistoric sites worldwide, free to view. |
Main News