While the origins of the name mattock are unknown, the use of “to mattock” as a verb was first seen in the mid 17th century.For centuries the mattock has been considered a versatile hand tool, being used for tasks such as grubbing out tree roots and digging out or breaking up stones and hard earth.
Deer antlers were used to make the earliest mattocks and examples first appear in the British Isles around the Mesolithic period.Their primary use was most likely for digging and some think the rise of agriculture may be linked with it.
Depictions of mattock-like tools can be found in many ancient artworks.
By the time of the Bronze Age in Asia Minor and Ancient Greece, the shape of the mattock we now recognise was established.The Inuit and broch people of Scotland also used mattocks to strip the blubber from whale carcasses among other tasks.
