Product Description
As one of the FINEST and COMPLETE undamaged, Mousterian hand axes we have ever offered, this is a prehistoric artifact you will not want to miss if you have been desiring an impeccable example of a Neanderthal hand axe. It was fashioned by Neanderthals over 40,000 years ago. The site this specimen was collected from has long since been closed and protected by the government. Because all collecting has been forbidden for quite some time, a piece like this has become increasingly rare due to their finite numbers in private hands. Many world-famous regions of France are considered to be the "Capitol of Prehistory". Fine quality and aesthetic Lower and Middle Paleolithic hand axes from France have become insanely desired by European collectors since the ban on digging and private collecting. Realized auction prices continue to set records throughout horrible economic times indicating such pieces will continue to appreciate and prove excellent investments. France is most famous for its Neanderthal sites, as well as history, and Mousterian hand axes of size and beauty such as this example have become exceedingly rare and desirable!
This specimen exhibits the finest form and workmanship in flaking. Its shaping is exquisite and on par the best examples we have seen of this period and region. The flaking and shaping is superb and was made by a highly skilled Neanderthal artisan. The chopping end is undamaged and shows dramatic strikes to remove deep flakes so as to create a blade-like cutting edge. Beautiful colors of warm gray and bright orange hues in the patina patina make for an exceptionally aesthetic specimen. This hand axe demonstrates true master craftsmanship with textbook features that are classic for the Mousterian tool industry of Europe.