Stone Age Axe

Axes were essential tools for survival in the Stone Age and used mainly for hunting and scavenging. A stone axe head was attached to a handle or ‘haft’ to make it easier to use.

Skill Level

Beginner

Time to Make

1 hour

Adult Supervision

Yes

Stone Age Axe

Top Tip

Choose a stick with a natural ‘V’ shape for making the axe handle. If the stick is too long or it needs trimming ask an adult to help cut it to right size.

How to Make

Stone Age Axe
Stone Age Axe
Stone Age Axe
  1. Find a strong stick for making your axe handle. A stick 10-15mm in diameter is ideal, with a ‘V’ shape where the axe head can be attached. Trim the stick to approximately 30cm in length, or a length to suit your design. Smooth down any rough edges with sandpaper.
  2. Shape a piece of clay into a ball about the size of an apple. Press it into a triangular shape, 2mm thick. Press the clay at the edges to make it a bit thinner. Leave the clay to dry for 2-3 hours until it feels less sticky. Scrape into the clay with a modelling tool or a lolly stick to create a flint texture in the surface. Shape along the front edge to make it sharper. Make a texture on both sides. Leave the clay to dry.
  3. Mix some pale grey and dark grey paint in a mixing tray. Paint the axe head pale grey on both sides then leave it to dry. Paint a dark grey wash over the top of one side then rub with a paper towel to wipe some of the paint off. Repeat on the other side. When the paint has dried, rub the axe head with paper towel again to make it shiny.
  4. Brush glue over the top of the stick, place the axe head so it fits in the ‘V’ then wrap plenty twine over the top to hold it place.