Product Description
SEE MORE AND LEARN ABOUT AFRICAN NEOLITHIC TOOLS
The vast majority of flake tools from the Neolithic of Capsian Tradition of Africa are a fraction of the size of this massive example! This is one of only a handful of Neolithic stone tools this size we have ever seen in 36 years of handling this material. This is one of THE FINEST (and was the largest of the collection) examples of a large Capsian Neolithic handled pick. It was made from tabular flint and is complete with ingenious design and flaking to the large flint piece. The pick has an amazingly well-designed grip for holding, and an expertly flaked narrow point. It shows a naturally glossy finish from from wear and wind polishing due to extreme long-term open desert exposure. The narrow tip could have been used for digging or even a weapon. As crude as this piece looks, it is much easier to appreciate in person when held as the grip and feel of the design can be experienced only in this way. This Neolithic pick would have required an extreme amount of skill to flake in its long, unusually narrow shape, and not have it break!
An unusual feature of this rare stone tool is that it can be held from EITHER end. One one end, it serves as a conventional pointed digging pick or stabbing weapon. Held on the opposite end is intuitive as there is a perfect made grip formed with a purposely flaked groove for the index finger. Held from this end allows the tool to be used as a hammer or axe with an integral broad flaked end, opposite to the grip. We have never seen such a tool but it is the LARGEST flint Capsian Neolithic artifacts we have ever handled and made with dual-use!
You could not ask for more impressive and top grade specimen from this African Neolithic culture! Of the highest degree workmanship! Complete, intact and with no modern damage!