| Revision as of 00:32, 10 January 2025 editSchnookums123 (talk | contribs)348 edits Created pageTag: Visual edit | Latest revision as of 14:36, 10 January 2025 edit undoIdoghor Melody (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Event coordinators, Extended confirmed users, Page movers, IP block exemptions, New page reviewers, Pending changes reviewers34,037 editsm clean up, added uncategorised tagTag: AWB | ||
| (2 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| A polissoir (French for "polisher") or polishing stone is a ] ] used for polishing and sharpening stone objects, particularly ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radley |first=Dario |date=2023-07-15 |title=Rare Neolithic polishing stone unearthed in Dorset |url=https://archaeologymag.com/2023/07/rare-neolithic-polishing-stone-unearthed-in-dorset/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Archaeology News Online Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | |
A '''polissoir''' (French for "polisher") or polishing stone is a ] ] used for polishing and sharpening stone objects, particularly ]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radley |first=Dario |date=2023-07-15 |title=Rare Neolithic polishing stone unearthed in Dorset |url=https://archaeologymag.com/2023/07/rare-neolithic-polishing-stone-unearthed-in-dorset/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Archaeology News Online Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Magazine |first1=Smithsonian |last2=Parker |first2=Christopher |title=Rare Neolithic 'Polishing Boulder' Discovered in England |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/neolithic-polishing-boulder-england-180982539/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}</ref> Polissoirs contrast with ]s, which are stones used to grind or sharpen ] objects. These artifacts, dating to approximately 5,000 years ago, provide insight into the technological advancements and craftsmanship of Neolithic societies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beckett |first=Jack |date=2023-07-15 |title=Explore the Neolithic Boulder of National Importance in Dorset |url=https://ruralhistoria.com/2023/07/15/polissoir/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=RuralHistoria |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
| == History and characteristics == | == History and characteristics == | ||
| === Characteristics === | === Characteristics === | ||
| Polissoirs are typically large stones with smooth, concave surfaces or grooves specifically designed for polishing stone objects.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pastparticipate.co.uk/post/excavating-a-polissoir-what-did-we-want-to-know-and-how-were-we-going-to-find-that-out |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=www.pastparticipate.co.uk}}</ref> They are often made from hard and abrasive rocks such as sandstone, granite, or quartzite, which were effective for grinding and shaping the edges of stone tools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beckett |first=Jack |date=2023-07-15 |title=Explore the Neolithic Boulder of National Importance in Dorset |url=https://ruralhistoria.com/2023/07/15/polissoir/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=RuralHistoria |language=en-US}}</ref> The surface of a polissoir often displays distinctive wear patterns resulting from the back-and-forth motion used to refine tool edges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neolithic stone axe grinding site uncovered near Stirling |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2vqzvyj88yo |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> | Polissoirs are typically large stones with smooth, concave surfaces or grooves specifically designed for polishing stone objects.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pastparticipate.co.uk/post/excavating-a-polissoir-what-did-we-want-to-know-and-how-were-we-going-to-find-that-out |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=www.pastparticipate.co.uk |title=Excavating a polissoir: What did we want to know and how were we going to find that out? |date=8 January 2024 }}</ref> They are often made from hard and abrasive rocks such as sandstone, granite, or quartzite, which were effective for grinding and shaping the edges of stone tools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beckett |first=Jack |date=2023-07-15 |title=Explore the Neolithic Boulder of National Importance in Dorset |url=https://ruralhistoria.com/2023/07/15/polissoir/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=RuralHistoria |language=en-US}}</ref> The surface of a polissoir often displays distinctive wear patterns resulting from the back-and-forth motion used to refine tool edges.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Neolithic stone axe grinding site uncovered near Stirling |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2vqzvyj88yo |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> | ||
| Polissoirs can be classified into two main types: earthfast and portable. Earthfast polissoirs are large, immovable, and found in their original positions. Portable polissoirs are ones that could be moved and used in different locations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Steven |date=2023-07-14 |title= |
Polissoirs can be classified into two main types: earthfast and portable. Earthfast polissoirs are large, immovable, and found in their original positions. Portable polissoirs are ones that could be moved and used in different locations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Steven |date=2023-07-14 |title='Hugely exciting and rare': Neolithic polishing stone found in Dorset |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jul/14/hugely-exciting-and-rare-neolithic-polishing-stone-found-in-dorset |access-date=2025-01-10 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> | ||
| === Function === | === Function === | ||
| Neolithic people used polissoirs to sharpen and polish stone tools, particularly axes, ], and ]. The process involved rubbing or grinding the surface of stone implements against the polissoir, which helped refine and sharpen their cutting edges. This helped maintain the functionality of stone tools, which were essential for activities such as clearing woodlands, building houses, and creating monuments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radley |first=Dario |date=2023-07-15 |title=Rare Neolithic polishing stone unearthed in Dorset |url=https://archaeologymag.com/2023/07/rare-neolithic-polishing-stone-unearthed-in-dorset/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Archaeology News Online Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-14 |title=Rare Stone Age Artefact Discovered in Dorset {{!}} Historic England |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/in-your-area/south-west/rare-stone-age-artefact-discovered-in-dorset/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=historicengland.org.uk |language=en}}</ref> | Neolithic people used polissoirs to sharpen and polish stone tools, particularly axes, ]s, and ]s. The process involved rubbing or grinding the surface of stone implements against the polissoir, which helped refine and sharpen their cutting edges. This helped maintain the functionality of stone tools, which were essential for activities such as clearing woodlands, building houses, and creating monuments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radley |first=Dario |date=2023-07-15 |title=Rare Neolithic polishing stone unearthed in Dorset |url=https://archaeologymag.com/2023/07/rare-neolithic-polishing-stone-unearthed-in-dorset/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Archaeology News Online Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-14 |title=Rare Stone Age Artefact Discovered in Dorset {{!}} Historic England |url=https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/in-your-area/south-west/rare-stone-age-artefact-discovered-in-dorset/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=historicengland.org.uk |language=en}}</ref> | ||
| === Distribution and Discovery === | === Distribution and Discovery === | ||
| Polissoirs have been found in various parts of Europe, with a significant concentration in France. In England, they are relatively rare, with only two undisturbed polissoirs found in their original positions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Townsend |first=Kate |date=2023-07-13 |title=Rare polishing stone discovered in Dorset |url=https://dorset-nl.org.uk/news/polissoir/#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20very%20rare,its%20original%20position%20in%20England. |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Dorset National Landscape |language=en-GB}}</ref> A notable discovery was made in July 2023 in the Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve, Dorset, England, where archaeologists unearthed a polissoir dating back over 5,000 years.<ref>{{Cite web | |
Polissoirs have been found in various parts of Europe, with a significant concentration in France. In England, they are relatively rare, with only two undisturbed polissoirs found in their original positions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Townsend |first=Kate |date=2023-07-13 |title=Rare polishing stone discovered in Dorset |url=https://dorset-nl.org.uk/news/polissoir/#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20very%20rare,its%20original%20position%20in%20England. |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Dorset National Landscape |language=en-GB}}</ref> A notable discovery was made in July 2023 in the Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve, Dorset, England, where archaeologists unearthed a polissoir dating back over 5,000 years.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Magazine |first1=Smithsonian |last2=Parker |first2=Christopher |title=Rare Neolithic 'Polishing Boulder' Discovered in England |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/neolithic-polishing-boulder-england-180982539/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Radley |first=Dario |date=2023-07-15 |title=Rare Neolithic polishing stone unearthed in Dorset |url=https://archaeologymag.com/2023/07/rare-neolithic-polishing-stone-unearthed-in-dorset/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Archaeology News Online Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
| === Archaeological Significance === | === Archaeological Significance === | ||
| The discovery of polissoirs at archaeological sites offers information about the tools, techniques, and skills ancient communities used.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beckett |first=Jack |date=2023-07-15 |title=Explore the Neolithic Boulder of National Importance in Dorset |url=https://ruralhistoria.com/2023/07/15/polissoir/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=RuralHistoria |language=en-US}}</ref> For example, polissoirs demonstrate the methodical, multi-stage nature of Neolithic tool production during the ]. The grooves and surfaces of polissoirs show that craftspeople followed specific sequences: rough shaping, then progressive refinement through finer abrasion, and finally polishing. This challenges earlier assumptions about "primitive" manufacturing methods. | The discovery of polissoirs at archaeological sites offers information about the tools, techniques, and skills ancient communities used.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beckett |first=Jack |date=2023-07-15 |title=Explore the Neolithic Boulder of National Importance in Dorset |url=https://ruralhistoria.com/2023/07/15/polissoir/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=RuralHistoria |language=en-US}}</ref> For example, polissoirs demonstrate the methodical, multi-stage nature of Neolithic tool production during the ]. The grooves and surfaces of polissoirs show that craftspeople followed specific sequences: rough shaping, then progressive refinement through finer abrasion, and finally polishing. This challenges earlier assumptions about "primitive" manufacturing methods. | ||
| Polissoirs have also provided evidence of specialized production areas and potentially early "workshops." The location of fixed polissoirs, particularly large examples in France like those in the Forest of Carnelle, suggests these were communal working sites where multiple people could work simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Project Gutenberg eBook of Primitive Man by Louis Figuier. |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42380/42380-h/42380-h.htm#i_197.jpg |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=www.gutenberg.org}}</ref> This points to more organized production systems than previously thought. Additionally, polissoirs provide evidence of deliberate selection of materials for both polissoirs and the tools they polished, indicating an understanding of the properties of different types of stone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Nathalie |date=Dec 2017 |title=De la conception à l'utilisation des pierres à aiguiser, polissoirs et autres outils de l'abrasion dans le monde égéen à l'âge du Bronze |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ |
Polissoirs have also provided evidence of specialized production areas and potentially early "workshops." The location of fixed polissoirs, particularly large examples in France like those in the Forest of Carnelle, suggests these were communal working sites where multiple people could work simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Project Gutenberg eBook of Primitive Man by Louis Figuier. |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/files/42380/42380-h/42380-h.htm#i_197.jpg |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=www.gutenberg.org}}</ref> This points to more organized production systems than previously thought. Additionally, polissoirs provide evidence of deliberate selection of materials for both polissoirs and the tools they polished, indicating an understanding of the properties of different types of stone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Nathalie |date=Dec 2017 |title=De la conception à l'utilisation des pierres à aiguiser, polissoirs et autres outils de l'abrasion dans le monde égéen à l'âge du Bronze |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331729537 |access-date=9 Jan 2025 |website=ResearchGate}}</ref> The consistency of the grooves and working surfaces across different sites suggests shared knowledge and techniques across communities, indicating networks of technological learning and cultural transmission. | ||
| The wear patterns on polissoirs have helped archaeologists understand the specific techniques used to create polished stone axes and other tools. Different types of grooves and surfaces indicate various motions and pressures were used systematically, revealing sophisticated knowledge of how different stones respond to different polishing techniques. | The wear patterns on polissoirs have helped archaeologists understand the specific techniques used to create polished stone axes and other tools. Different types of grooves and surfaces indicate various motions and pressures were used systematically, revealing sophisticated knowledge of how different stones respond to different polishing techniques. | ||
| Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
| == References == | == References == | ||
| {{Reflist}} | |||
| {{Uncategorized|date=January 2025}} | |||
Latest revision as of 14:36, 10 January 2025
A polissoir (French for "polisher") or polishing stone is a Neolithic stone tool used for polishing and sharpening stone objects, particularly axes. Polissoirs contrast with grindstones, which are stones used to grind or sharpen ferrous objects. These artifacts, dating to approximately 5,000 years ago, provide insight into the technological advancements and craftsmanship of Neolithic societies.
History and characteristics
Characteristics
Polissoirs are typically large stones with smooth, concave surfaces or grooves specifically designed for polishing stone objects. They are often made from hard and abrasive rocks such as sandstone, granite, or quartzite, which were effective for grinding and shaping the edges of stone tools. The surface of a polissoir often displays distinctive wear patterns resulting from the back-and-forth motion used to refine tool edges.
Polissoirs can be classified into two main types: earthfast and portable. Earthfast polissoirs are large, immovable, and found in their original positions. Portable polissoirs are ones that could be moved and used in different locations.
Function
Neolithic people used polissoirs to sharpen and polish stone tools, particularly axes, adzes, and chisels. The process involved rubbing or grinding the surface of stone implements against the polissoir, which helped refine and sharpen their cutting edges. This helped maintain the functionality of stone tools, which were essential for activities such as clearing woodlands, building houses, and creating monuments.
Distribution and Discovery
Polissoirs have been found in various parts of Europe, with a significant concentration in France. In England, they are relatively rare, with only two undisturbed polissoirs found in their original positions. A notable discovery was made in July 2023 in the Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve, Dorset, England, where archaeologists unearthed a polissoir dating back over 5,000 years.
Archaeological Significance
The discovery of polissoirs at archaeological sites offers information about the tools, techniques, and skills ancient communities used. For example, polissoirs demonstrate the methodical, multi-stage nature of Neolithic tool production during the Neolithic Revolution. The grooves and surfaces of polissoirs show that craftspeople followed specific sequences: rough shaping, then progressive refinement through finer abrasion, and finally polishing. This challenges earlier assumptions about "primitive" manufacturing methods.
Polissoirs have also provided evidence of specialized production areas and potentially early "workshops." The location of fixed polissoirs, particularly large examples in France like those in the Forest of Carnelle, suggests these were communal working sites where multiple people could work simultaneously. This points to more organized production systems than previously thought. Additionally, polissoirs provide evidence of deliberate selection of materials for both polissoirs and the tools they polished, indicating an understanding of the properties of different types of stone. The consistency of the grooves and working surfaces across different sites suggests shared knowledge and techniques across communities, indicating networks of technological learning and cultural transmission.
The wear patterns on polissoirs have helped archaeologists understand the specific techniques used to create polished stone axes and other tools. Different types of grooves and surfaces indicate various motions and pressures were used systematically, revealing sophisticated knowledge of how different stones respond to different polishing techniques.
Polissoirs are also valuable because they're typically too large to move and often remain in their original locations, providing fixed points in the Neolithic landscape that help us understand how people moved through and used their environment.
References
- Radley, Dario (2023-07-15). "Rare Neolithic polishing stone unearthed in Dorset". Archaeology News Online Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- Magazine, Smithsonian; Parker, Christopher. "Rare Neolithic 'Polishing Boulder' Discovered in England". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- Beckett, Jack (2023-07-15). "Explore the Neolithic Boulder of National Importance in Dorset". RuralHistoria. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- "Excavating a polissoir: What did we want to know and how were we going to find that out?". www.pastparticipate.co.uk. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- Beckett, Jack (2023-07-15). "Explore the Neolithic Boulder of National Importance in Dorset". RuralHistoria. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- "Neolithic stone axe grinding site uncovered near Stirling". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- Morris, Steven (2023-07-14). "'Hugely exciting and rare': Neolithic polishing stone found in Dorset". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- Radley, Dario (2023-07-15). "Rare Neolithic polishing stone unearthed in Dorset". Archaeology News Online Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- "Rare Stone Age Artefact Discovered in Dorset | Historic England". historicengland.org.uk. 2023-07-14. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- Townsend, Kate (2023-07-13). "Rare polishing stone discovered in Dorset". Dorset National Landscape. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- Magazine, Smithsonian; Parker, Christopher. "Rare Neolithic 'Polishing Boulder' Discovered in England". Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- Radley, Dario (2023-07-15). "Rare Neolithic polishing stone unearthed in Dorset". Archaeology News Online Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- Beckett, Jack (2023-07-15). "Explore the Neolithic Boulder of National Importance in Dorset". RuralHistoria. Retrieved 2025-01-09.
- "The Project Gutenberg eBook of Primitive Man by Louis Figuier". www.gutenberg.org. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- Thomas, Nathalie (Dec 2017). "De la conception à l'utilisation des pierres à aiguiser, polissoirs et autres outils de l'abrasion dans le monde égéen à l'âge du Bronze". ResearchGate. Retrieved 9 Jan 2025.
- Edmonds, Mark (1999). Ancestral Geographies of the Neolithic. Routledge. p. 114.
 | This article has not been added to any content categories. Please help out by adding categories to it so that it can be listed with similar articles. (January 2025) |