Stone Age antler hammer

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What is it?

An antler hammer, or soft hammer, is a tool used in flint knapping. It is made from the crown of a deer’s antlers. It is used for shaping flint to create different tools and would have been used throughout the Stone Age.

You can watch a video of an antler hammer being used for flint knapping on our YouTube channel.

What do you think?

• How heavy to you think the hammer would be?
• Look closely at the hammer. What words would you use to describe the texture?
• Antlers come from male deer. What are male deer called?

Further info

Object ID number: SC312/2

If you use this image, please credit it as follows:
Digital image copyright Museum of London