The Ri mine (Orne): Flint mining and axe production in the Middle Neolithic

Exploited for more than a century by Neolithic populations (between 4000 and 3800 BC, according to C14 dating), the Ri flint mine in the Orne department covered more than 25 hectares. The two hectares excavated made it possible to identify and study 550 shafts and numerous broken or lost tools made of wood, deer antler and flint. While some of these objects were used for extraction, others are linked to the production of axe blades on site, an essential component of the Neolithic economy. According to estimates, no less than 7,000 flint extraction shafts were dug at the height of the exploitation, probably by several communities settled within a radius of a few kilometres. Since the substrate was relatively easy to dig, experimental work could be conducted in parallel with the excavation. This allowed us to estimate the methods and duration of extraction and the quantity of blade production from flint nodules (approximately 3000 blades per year); it also allowed us to hypothesise on the organisation of production, between segmentation and task sharing, and the development of this highly specialised craft.