Microburin

A by-product of the manufacture of microliths. A blade is notched, and then snapped off where the chipping has narrowed and weakened it. One piece becomes a microlithic tool, while the residue (the microburin) still shows traces of the original notch and fracture. certain trapeze-shaped microliths were made from the central part of a double-notched blade, in which case both ends have the appearance of microburins. Microburins are characteristic of the Mesolithic period. They have been found at Mill End in Yewden and at Maids Moreton manor house, suggesting microliths were being manufactured there.