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Product Description
For comparison prices, please see the "Old World Typology and Price Guide" section of the "OVERSTREET IDENTIFICATION AND PRICE GUIDE TO INDIAN ARROWHEADS" editions 7th, 8th and 9th.
SEE MORE LOWER PALEOLITHIC ACHEULEAN STONE ARTIFACTS
This INCREDIBLE Acheulean hand axe was made and used by early humans of the primitive species Homo erectus (ergaster). It was surface-collected from an exposed Lower Paleolithic Acheulean site in the Sahara Desert of Northwest Africa. Acheulean Lower Paleolithic hand axes from Africa represent the first scientifically documented intelligent tool made by primitive humans. Prior to these Saharan Acheulean handaxes, only crude pebble and flake tools existed in the human fossil record.
Coming from a unique private collection of a former German surveyor who found this hand axe while on a Saharan expedition in the 1960's, there is a back story of how we acquired this specimen. For the last several decades, it resided in a very select private collection of ours, made up of the absolute best pieces we had ever come across in our career and travels. Years ago, we made a deal with the original German collector and acquired about 12 of his BEST lifetime discoveries - the most incredible Saharan hand axes we had ever seen. It's important to note that nearly ever stone tool coming from the Sahara was originally found by desert nomads who did not always take care of their finds, and usually damaged the tools as they transported them to market. On the contrary, this small group of hand axes we acquired, came from the original German expedition explorer who carefully wrapped each magnificent find to protect from any transportation damage. Despite them being the most amazing examples we have seen in workmanship and type, they have NONE of the customary modern nicks or damage that most stone tools have coming from the Sahara. We have greatly enjoyed these masterpieces but now it is time to pass on these treasures to another steward.
This finest collector specimen boasts of the most perfect almond-shape with a very fine, pointed and perfectly preserved tip that is nearly NEVER seen of this level. The workmanship goes way beyond normal utility need, indicating the intended purpose of this example was one of art, prestige and display. Made of golden quartzite by an unusually gifted and skilled primitive human stoneknapper, not a single aspect of this hand axe is anything but perfect! If you owned an educational casting company that made replicas for museums and universities, THIS would be the hand axe to make a copy of as it represents the finest form and highest level of skill executed in a Lower Paleolithic Acheulean hand axe. The level of care that went into the flaking and shaping, including the unusually sharp pointed tip that remains unused and undamaged, offers an idea that early humans appreciated art and made some stone tools to a level that was far beyond what was needed in everyday utility. This exceptional specimen was most likely viewed as a work of art and prized in its time over a million years ago, as much as it would be prized today in the most advanced collections.
This hand axe is classified as an AMYGDALOID BIFACE hand axe. There is none of the customary modern collecting and handling damage often associated with Saharan prehistoric hand axes. The tip is sharply pointed exactly as originally made with no modern damage, EXTREMELY RARE for something so delicate. The entire hand axe is still in the same perfect condition as when originally made. The entire surface has a satin sheen called 'desert varnish', caused by mineral deposition and wind polishing over many millennia.
Some scientists theorize that Stone Age hand axes like this, that were made well beyond what was needed for everyday use, were the earliest form of art, flaked by master toolmakers to a degree that conveys prestige, status and achievement. Seeing this specimen certainly supports that claim.
Original sediment and mineral encrustations are still present in microscopic crevices and on some surfaces - a trait ONLY found in authentic Paleolithic artifacts like these. These features are a testament to the age and authenticity of ALL Saharan Paleolithic artifacts.
Genuine Saharan Acheulean hand axes of this quality are rare and recent realized prices at major auction houses are proving what we have been saying for year, that authentic high grade artifacts of primitive humans remain one of the most promising investments. Specimens like this are one in many, many thousands and are exceptionally rare. Collectors consider prized features to include either size, workmanship or color but when ALL exist, then it is truly an important piece to include in a collection as this one is.
HISTORY
During this time in prehistory when this Lower Paleolithic tool was made, the Sahara Desert (where this stone tool was found) was a savanna rich in wildlife. Prior to the prehistoric global warming that turned the vast region to desert, early humans lived alongside prehistoric giraffe, bison and elephant, which were vital to their survival. Hunting and butchering these animals would have required specialized tools such as those found in the Acheulian Period.
