A Fire Starter stone ?

“I found this interesting stone while crossing Comeragh mountain above Kilrossanty.

It measures roughly 52mm X 35mm. The circular hole/depression which is located near to one end, has a diameter of 12 mm and is 5 mm deep”.

“It fits comfortably in the left hand and suggests that it could have possibly been a ‘bearing stone’ which was used to start fire in prehistoric times.

The stone (if it is an authentic tool) was probably held in the left hand, with the hole used as socket for a spindle stick which would have been inserted in a wooden hearthboard also with a circular depression. This would have been rotated by a bow held in the right hand until the friction of the wood generated flame.

The hole has been cleaned out and on closer examination one does get the impression that rotation took place”.

Submitted by M. Mullen - April 2012