PB081 - REDUCED SIZE CHOICE GRADE EUROPEAN PEBBLE TOOL CHOPPER FROM FAMOUS FRENCH RIVER TERRACE SITE

Product Description

ITEM # 

PB081

ID

Oldowan Pebble Tool

FOUND

River Terraces of Haute-Garonne, SW France

AGE

LOWER PALEOLITHIC:  800,000 - 400,000 years ago

SIZE

3.3" x 3"

CONDITION

INTACT AND COMPLETE - NO REPAIR OR
RESTORATION - 100% GENUINE

NOTE

EXCELLENT EXAMPLE SHOWING CUTTING
EDGE FLAKING - IRON AND SEDIMENT DEPOSITS
STILL ATTACHED SHOWING AUTHENTICITY.

Actual Item - One Only

Comes with a certificate of authenticity / information sheet

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OLDOWAN PEBBLE TOOLS

This magnificent PEBBLE CHOPPER comes from a famous Lower Paleolithic site in Southern France and was fashioned by Homo erectus in the Oldowan Tradition of pebble tool technology of the Lower Paleolithic Period.  This chopping tool was made from a quartzite river cobble and was found where early humans once lived on the terraces of the Haute-Garonne river in Southwest France.  Recent studies report extensive continual prehistoric habitation from the Early Lower Paleolithic to the Upper Paleolithic.  The different ages are found in the different terraces and layers (see references below).  This superb and intact, complete specimen comes from this site and exhibits technology dating from approximately 800,000 to over 300,000 years ago and was manufactured by some of the first humans to migrate into Europe from Africa.

This is an exceptional specimen from this southern French Lower Paleolithic site of world study and importance.  Like all pebble choppers, it is simple made on a river cobble where a chopping end was struck at an angle to create a cutting edge.  This example has multiple strikes to create a deliberate pointed chopping end and is of a reduced size.  Attractive red color and iron staining from extreme age shows an evenly patinated flaked area as well as the original cobble surface - only seen in authentic Lower Paleolithic specimens!  Chopping end is intact and complete "as made".  Microscopic examination (and above close-up image) shows evidence ONLY found in authentic Paleolithic specimens - embedded mineral and substrate deposits deep into the surface with no modern flaking or crushing of the stone surface where flaked.  Feel, form and function of this tool is superb.  Decommissioned recently from a private museum with original collection label still in place.  NO MODERN DAMAGE, NO REPAIR and NO RESTORATION.  'As found' condition.

WARNING:  There are a host of these "tools" for sale on Ebay and other websites providing less information and understanding of Lower Paleolithic specimens.  Many of these sources offer nothing more than damaged ancient river cobbles caused by environmental action (glacial disturbance, frost damage, etc.) or modern made fakes.  Every broken cobblestone found is NOT a human-created Paleolithic tool!  The determination of what is manmade and what is an ordinary broken river rock requires a very high level of understanding Paleolithic tool manufacture and technique as well as the experience to be able to differentiate the two and authenticate a genuine stone tool from this culture.  Know  your source and only deal with well-informed sellers who can help you understand the difference.