Product Description
The form and execution of this extraordinary BIFACIAL CORDIFORM handaxe was fashioned by a Neanderthal in classic MOUSTERIAN TRADITION. Unlike their much larger predecessors of the Sahara during the Acheulian, Mousterian handaxes are much smaller in comparison. Not only are Mousterian handaxes considered some of the rarest and most prized tools of the Neanderthals, this exquisite representation is a perfectly executed example. This is an unusually large example made of the finest flint and with a classic patina known from the region. The broad and curved proximal end retains some of the natural outer original rounded surface of the cobble before it was knapped into a handaxe - an indication of prehistoric human ingenuity in ergonomic, intelligent design. This grip happens to have a sheen in areas that indicate use wear from a prehistoric hand! The entire perimeter shows expert Neanderthal secondary retouch to execute a stunningly well-made, profile. Delicate pointed tip is still intact and unbroken which is EXTREMELY RARE for specimens like this. The entire surface features a rich patina and mineralized soil sheen indicating extreme age in burial. Authenticity evidenced by the presence of minerals deep in these microscopic crevices. This is one of the nicest and most attractive Neanderthal hand axes we have offered in quite some time.
This rare handaxe was fashioned out of flint by Neanderthals over 40,000 years ago and discovered in a Middle Paleolithic site in France. Fine quality Mousterian Neanderthal tools are rare and often move from one private collection to the next as most sites are now depleted, destroyed, built over and all are protected by law forbidding modern day digging. It is probable by simple logistics, that over time, high grade archeological tools will most definitely appreciate as collector demand continues to outpace the finite supply circulating amongst collectors that buy pieces and never resell. Investment aside, no Paleolithic collection should be without representative tools of one of the most famous primitive humans in history!