Burin

A pointed tool made of chipped flint or stone and used to engrave bone, antler, ivory and (presumably) wood. In its most characteristic form the working tip is a narrow transverse edge formed by the intersection of two flake scares produced by striking at an angle to the main axes of the blade. Sometimes one facet is made by simply snapping the blade, or by truncating it with a steep retouch. There are many variations on this theme. The use of the burin is one of the hallmarks of Upper Palaeolithic industries. An early Mesolithic example was found at Boyer's Pit in Denham. Many of the burins found in Buckinghamshire date to the Mesolithic, such as at Marline's Pit, Bolter End. However, one example from Lower Farm in Halton may date to the Neolithic.