RARE AND EXCEPTIONAL VERY EARLY ACHEULEAN HAND AXE MADE BY HOMO ERECTUS WITH FOSSILS FROM STONE AGE AFRICA *ACH472

Product Description

For  comparison prices, please see the "Old World Typology and Price Guide" section of the "OVERSTREET IDENTIFICATION AND PRICE GUIDE TO INDIAN ARROWHEADS" editions 7th, 8th and 9th.

SEE MORE LOWER PALEOLITHIC ACHEULEAN STONE ARTIFACTS

This rare EARLY 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.

Made in a much cruder form than the later period Acheulean hand axes of refined flaking and shaping, this very early Acheulean bifacial hand axe represents the dawning of the bifacial flaking and pointed hand axe form that would defined the Acheulean tool tradition.  The Oldowan tool tradition just predates this era of technology, where crude chopper axes were made from limited strikes on pebble cobbles to create a simplistic chopping edge.  Here, we have a bifacial hand axe that takes that concept further into what would become the Acheulean tradition. 

This hand axe was made of tabular flint that has several incredible aesthetic features that were likely prized in this very early period of human development.  One side of the hand axe still has much of the natural cortex raw surface and in it, a multitude of ancient sea life fossils.  It was likely, because of the fossils that this part of the stone was kept unflaked - perhaps Early Man's intrigue at an inexplicable aspect of this stone, perhaps.  The other side has also a light colored rough cortex layer that was also kept and in this, a single hammer-strike to create a flaked depression where the thumb falls when the hand axe is held in the left hand.  Evidence of intelligent thought even at this early stage in humanity!  The flaked areas of the flint reveal stunning multi-colored layers in the stone, adding beauty to this prize Stone Age hand-craft.  All flaked surfaces of the flint exhibit a wonderful 'desert varnish' sheen that shows off the flaking workmanship.  An intact tip is still preserved.  The weight and sharpness of this hand axe would have made it highly effective in butchering large hunted game that existed in Africa at the time such as rhino, giraffe, elephant and bison.  A hand axe like this would have been vital to effectively dismembering and separating the meat from bone on successful hunts.

There is none of the customary modern collecting and handling damage often associated with Saharan prehistoric hand axes.  The tip is crude but still preserved exactly as originally made with no modern damage, EXTREMELY RARE for something so delicate.  The entire hand axe is still in the same perfect condition as when originally made.

Many theorize that these prehistoric hand axes 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.