M397 - RARE PRESTIGE OBJECT CANDY-COLORED JASPER NEANDERTHAL MOUSTERIAN DRILL FLAKE TOOL FROM FONTMAURE FRANCE

Product Description

ID

Mousterian Tool

FOUND

Open Site - Fontmaure (Vellèches),
 France

AGE

MOUSTERIAN:  80,000 - 40,000 years

SIZE

1.75" long

CONDITION

INTACT AND COMPLETE. NO REPAIR, 
ALTERATIONS OR RESTORATION.  

NOTE

STUNNING EXAMPLE WITH AMAZING
COLORS AND SOIL SHEEN.  PERFECT
EXAMPLE OF A PREHISTORIC DRILL
IN A TRUE "PRESTIGE" OBJECT OF
THE NEANDERTHAL.  

A PRIZE COLLECTION SPECIMEN!

INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX

Comes with a certificate of 
authenticity / information sheet

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MOUSTERIAN TOOLS

This rare and STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL Middle Paleolithic flake tool was fashioned by Neanderthals over 40,000 years ago out of gem-grade colorful jasper known to occur ONLY from Fontmaure, located in West Central France. The site this specimen was excavated from is only approximately 1 acre in size and is now closed and protected by the government. This rare artifact was legally collected with the landowner's permission decades ago before the area was sealed. Fontmaure is one of Europe's most famous Neanderthal sites and the fact that this small unique prehistoric site is off-limits to any collecting, makes this wonderful stone tool artifact exceedingly rare and desirable!

Fashioned in multi-colored jasper that Fontmaure tools are famous for, this is a beautiful Mousterian flake DRILL.  While many flake tools from the Fontmaure site are colorful, a handful of examples such as this, just scream "look at me!".  As such, it is no question an object like this would have been a coveted prestige piece in a prehistoric life with no artificially created colored objects that today, we take for granted.  

The identifying feature of this tool typology is its flaked pointed tip made on a robust flake, designed for drilling or piercing leather, bone, wood or ivory by pressing the point into the material and twisting.  This flake tool is complete and in its original form as it was made by Neanderthals at least 40,000 years ago.  All cutting edges are still intact as made.   Intact original sediments from the layer in which it was dug are still attached on some surfaces and the microscopic crevices - evidence of authenticity not found in fakes or altered artifacts.  It was made from a colorful piece of jasper, the aesthetics on this piece are unlike what is usually encountered which would have really made this tool stand out in prehistoric times. 

Unlike inferior, surface-collected specimens that occasionally are offered on the market, this tool was dug from the actual subterranean level that was once a Neanderthal occupation layer. What this means is that it was not weathered and damaged by exposure to the elements or plow. This entire specimen is in perfect, AS MADE condition with a rich natural soil sheen from long-term sediment burial.  Original minerals and patina deep in microscopic crevices and hinge fractures provide evidence of its prehistoric authenticity, traits not found in modern or altered copies.    NO RESTORATION, REPAIR OR MODERN DAMAGE. Our fortunate purchase of a very old private Dutch collection allows us to offer this SCARCE Neanderthal artifact.

Out of the many archaeological sites in France containing Paleolithic objects, Fontmaure is one of the "Crown Jewels" of the period of the Neanderthals. This site is very small, spanning only approximately one acre. It gets its name from the neighboring farm where it is located. Artifacts from Fontmaure have been dated to at least 40,000 years old and are classified as from the Chatelperronian and Mousterian era, having been fashioned by the Neanderthal people. One of the unique published finds of Fontmaure is the very beautiful and unique jasper which is only found here and is primarily red and yellow. Many of the objects found in Fontmaure are made of this stone with other objects made of sandstone, flint and light gray quartz. This light gray quartz originates from a place that is situated about hundred kilometers from Fontmaure. Another unusual feature is that, to date, it is one of a few known open-air settlements. Even more interesting is the fact that along with the stone tools found, human and animal figures have also been excavated. There are also stones used in some type of ritual, such as triangular stones, round discs and stone balls (bolas) that have been discovered in Fontmaure. These art objects of the Neanderthals make up some of the oldest art known from Europe!  Today, we find the unusual, bright colors of the Fontmaure Neanderthal tools to be intriguingly beautiful and no doubt, the Neanderthals of prehistory coveted and prized these pieces, as well!