Use-wear analysis reveals the first direct evidence for the use of Neolithic polished stone axes in Britain

Polished stone axes have long been recognised as one of the most important forms material culture in Neolithic. Research over last 40 years has done much to understand their origins, patterns exchange across Europe, deposition, and social importance. Despite this long-recognised importance, little work Britain focused on actual use these objects. This article presents first use-wear analysis 20 Early Neolithic polished from Britain. research shows that whilst many were used for woodworking, no doubt associated with forest clearance agriculture spread, masks detailed variable roles played emergence worlds Britain, which capacity reveal.