Generally regarded as artifacts from the Neolithic period, stone axes were in use in Ireland from the early Mesolithic period through to the bronze age. The axes were produced from both common and rare rock sources, with most being flaked or pecked into shape, and finished by grinding and polishing. All Axes were made in this way, but the high-quality finish of some completely polished axes raised them above the everyday woodworking tool to prestigious, ritual and ceremonial use. Many of the Irish axes come from riverbeds and lakes, some of which may be lost items, but it seems certain that others were deliberately deposited votive offerings.