MAGNIFICENT HOMO ERECTUS DEFLESHING END SCRAPER OF THE ACHEULEAN FROM FRANCE *ACH438

Product Description

SEE MORE LOWER PALEOLITHIC ACHEULEAN ARTIFACTS

Over the years, we have offered some of the finest Paleolithic European artifacts on the market and this beautiful END SCRAPER - RABOT is no exception.  Flaked from a flint nodule by Homo erectus (H. heidelbergensis), the first humans to occupy Europe, the natural nodule outer shape and cortex was retained for an ergonomic grip on the proximal end.  Extensive flaking was executed on the sides and cutting edge to form a curved, scraping end, ideal for de-fleshing large hides and bones in butchering tasks.  It dates to the Lower Paleolithic and was made in the Acheulean tool tradition, out of flint.  The Acheulian Tradition was the predominant tool technology of the Homo erectus people in Europe currently dating back as far as 900,000 years ago.  Found in the Department de la Aisne, France by the original Belgian collector during the middle of the 20th century, it features superb, complete preservation as made. 

The surface of the flint is dark and rich with a heavy patina and soil sheen from mineral deposition, giving it the appearance it was polished.  This MUSEUM-CLASS Homo erectus stone tool displays workmanship on the highest level and its early human creator was certainly highly skilled in the form and function of this magnificent specimen!  Designed for butchering the large hunted game of the day such as Woolly mammoth, bison, horse and Woolly rhinoceros, this large, unique scraper was used by holding one end and pushing away from the user to scrape in a long outward thrust, pressing down on the cutting edge as the outward stroke was made. 

From a very old former European collection. Today, digging for new specimens is forbidden and has been for decades with most of the best pieces being found in the first half of the last century.  The majority of fine European Paleolithic artifacts reside in coveted, old collections in Europe and usually move from one collection to the next in private collector circles, rarely making it out of the country.  Very highly recommended! No Paleolithic collection should be without representative tools of Europe's first humans!

MARKET REPORT COMMENTARY

Fine quality European Paleolithic artifacts like this are prized collector pieces.  They often move swiftly, from one private collection to the next as many sites are now destroyed, built over and/or protected.  In the past decade, European auctions have routinely set records for the highest prices realized on spectacular examples of Prehistoric European artifacts like this.  As ever-increasing buyer demand continues to pursue the best pieces, the actual amount of this available material is sobering and we are likely to see prices easily rise ten-fold on top-grade specimens, in the coming years.  Nevertheless, the prices STILL, are a paltry comparison to much of the more mature rare collectibles on the market and Paleolithic artifact prices still really do not reflect the substantially higher rarity of these artifacts.  The words "undervalued" and "collectible" are seldom found together in today's world but the realm of European and African Paleolithic artifacts is one where you can still find an emerging market and one of the greatest promises for future appreciation.

WARNING: This specific specimen possesses a fine prehistoric patina and mineral deposits. Such traits are missing in the fake tools being passed off as genuine tools by fraudulent and/or uninformed dealers selling in auctions, online, at shops and shows. The market is currently awash in fakes and ancient debris rock shards sold as genuine Paleolithic tools. Make sure you get an unconditional certificate of authenticity and know your dealer is knowledgeable AND informed.