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Product Description
This authentic prehistoric bifacial 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 North Africa. This Lower Paleolithic tool represents the first scientifically documented intelligent design made by primitive humans. Prior to these Saharan Acheulian handaxes, only crude pebble and flake tools existed in the human fossil record.
This is an fine grade BIFACIAL HAND AXE made out of quartzite. A fascinating feature is the proof of use. The tip shows actual prehistoric use wear, the blunted end matching the patina color of the rest of the axe to prove it occurred in prehistory. The proximal end has a nice flaked facet that fits against the palm when held. Wind erosion over millennia of desert exposure has worn down the original sharp faces of the flaking - a testament to its age. The hand axe shows a bi-color patina and "desert varnish" which is a natural sheen on the stone caused by the exposure of the artifact to the blowing sands over hundreds of thousands of years. Original sediment and some mineral encrustations are still present in microscopic crevices and cracks - a trait ONLY found in authentic Paleolithic artifacts like these. Tip and edges are intact with obvious detail in the flaking on the edges.
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 this Acheulean specimen.
