Prehistoric Time Measuring Artifacts unearthed in South West Leicestershire.
Over the years a number of prehistoric flint items that appear to be connected to the passing of time have been discovered in the Burbage and locality.
These artifacts have been dated to be older than Stonehenge and the pyramids by the stone tools which were found in the area.
The length and position of the shadow created by the upright flint Gnomon on the shaped base enabled them to gauge the passing of time for ritual needs.
Two Prehistoric Flint Sundials
Contributed by Arthur Cross
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- Location
-
South West Leicestershire
- Culture
- Period
- Theme
- Size
-
- H:
- 15cm
- W:
- 17cm
- D:
- 9cm
- Colour
- Material
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Comments
Were the gnomons and bases found together as pairs? I really have to question the 'sundial' use interpretation, as there are no markings on the bases (other than 3-D contours) - and unless the bases were fixed in one position onto a plane surface, no representation of the true shadow angle from the sun could be inferred (and hence 'time' at that particular longitude). In any case, why would an individual carry a thing like this around with him? If he wanted to know the time (but why?) surely he'd just look at the sun's height in the sky or a tree's shadow on the ground?
My guess would be that these artifacts are rudimentary animal fat lanterns, where the 'gnomon' is actually the support for a rush wick and the depressed saucer is a reservoir for the fuel. Johnners :]
The gnonoms and bases were found at approx 4 miles apart which both contained other related items and could possibly be burial sites. The picture shown was taken for a B.B.C. news item which was shown on East Midlands TV some years ago and earlier this year, Unfortunatly the picture does not enable the detail in the amount of handwork involved to be seen. The one on the right of the photo is made from two seperate pieces of flint and possibly have been set in a base of clay which is found in abundance were it was found. The one on the left of the photo is constructed from one piece of flint. Arthur Cross.