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Product Description
SEE MORE LOWER PALEOLITHIC ACHEULEAN STONE ARTIFACTS
This MASSIVE, investment-class Acheulean hand axe was made and used by early humans of the primitive species Homo erectus (ergaster). It was surface-collected from an exposed Lower Paleolithic Acheulean site in the Sahara Desert of Northwest Africa. Acheulean Lower Paleolithic hand axes from Africa represent the first scientifically documented intelligent tool made by primitive humans. Prior to these Saharan Acheulean handaxes, only crude pebble and flake tools existed in the human fossil record.
Coming from a unique private collection of a former German surveyor who found this hand axe while on a Saharan expedition in the 1960's, there is a back story of how we acquired this specimen. For the last several decades, it resided in a very select private collection of ours, made up of the absolute best pieces we had ever come across in our career and travels. Years ago, we made a deal with the original German collector and acquired about 12 of his BEST lifetime discoveries - the most incredible Saharan hand axes we had ever seen. It's important to note that nearly ever stone tool coming from the Sahara was originally found by desert nomads who did not always take care of their finds, and usually damaged the tools as they transported them to market. On the contrary, this small group of hand axes we acquired, came from the original German expedition explorer who carefully wrapped each magnificent find to protect from any transportation damage. Despite them being the most amazing examples we have seen in workmanship and type, they have NONE of the customary modern nicks or damage that most stone tools have coming from the Sahara. We have greatly enjoyed these masterpieces but now it is time to pass on these treasures to another steward.
This hand axe is classified as an AMYGDALOID (almond-shaped) BIFACE. It was made of golden banded chert, to enormous proportions that defy explanations on how it was exactly held and used. Homo erectus was much smaller than moderns humans are, and possessed much less strength and size to wield such a heavy and sizable "hand" axe. Nevertheless, the tip does show prehistoric use wear. Perhaps this was a prestige piece made for limited, ceremonial or ritual use only - possibly even held with two hands. Made with the most exceptional skill, this hand axe shows all the traits of a master stoneknapper at their peak of ability. There is none of the customary modern handling damage often associated with Saharan prehistoric hand axes. The entire hand axe is still in the same perfect condition as when originally made. One side exhibits more wind erosion and a heavy natural gloss called 'desert varnish', caused by mineral deposition and wind polishing over many millennia. This indicates the hand axe lay undisturbed for hundreds of thousands of years, on one side, exposed to the elements.
This finest investment-class specimen boasts of the most perfect almond-shape with the finest symmetrical shape. The workmanship goes way beyond normal utilitarian need, indicating the intended purpose of this example was one of art, prestige and display. The size and robust cross-section makes for a much heavier hand axe than typically encountered. The level of care that went into the flaking and shaping, offers an idea that early humans appreciated art and made some stone tools to a level that was far beyond what was needed in everyday use. This exceptional specimen was most likely viewed as a work of art and prized in its time over a million years ago, as much as it would be prized today in the most advanced collections.
Some scientists theorize that Stone Age hand axes like this, that were made well beyond what was needed for everyday use, were the earliest form of art, flaked by master toolmakers to a degree that conveys prestige, status and achievement. Seeing this specimen certainly supports that claim.
Original sediment and mineral encrustations are still present in microscopic crevices and on some surfaces - a trait ONLY found in authentic Paleolithic artifacts like these. These features are a testament to the age and authenticity of ALL Saharan Paleolithic artifacts.
The finest Lower Paleolithic hand axes often move from one private collection to the next as many discovery sites are now destroyed, built over or protected. In past decades, European auctions have routinely set records for the highest prices realized on spectacular examples of prehistoric European Stone Age artifacts like this, often likening them to the earliest forms of human-created art. Fine specimens are so few in number while the buyer market continues to expand and chase after the best material, with no apparent price ceiling in sight. 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 don't reflect the substantially HIGH rarity of these artifacts. As ever-increasing buyer demand continues to pursue the best pieces, the actual limited quantity of this material is sobering, and we are likely to see prices easily rise ten-fold on top-grade specimens, in the near coming years. 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 investment.
HISTORY
During this time in prehistory when this Lower Paleolithic tool was made, the Sahara Desert (where this stone tool was found) was a savanna rich in wildlife. Prior to the prehistoric global warming that turned the vast region to desert, early humans lived alongside prehistoric giraffe, bison and elephant, which were vital to their survival. Hunting and butchering these animals would have required specialized tools such as those found in the Acheulian Period.
