RARE AND LARGE MUSEUM-CLASS KOMBEWA FLAKE AFRICAN ACHEULIAN STONE AGE HAND AXE *ACH258

Product Description

This genuine Saharan Acheulean hand axe was made and used by early humans of the species Homo ergaster (African Homo erectus).  It was surface-collected from an exposed Acheulian site in the Northern Sahara Desert of North Africa.  This Lower Paleolithic tool represents the first intelligent design type known to science, that was made by primitive humans.  Prior to these Saharan Acheulean tools, only crude pebble tools existed in the human fossil record.

From an old German private collection comprising most of the finest Saharan Acheulian hand axes we have ever seen, this is one of the FINEST examples of this rare type, we have ever encountered!  It is a rare OVATE BIFACE hand axe made on a KOMBEWA FLAKE.  It is a MUSEUM-CLASS example of the Lower Paleolithic Kombewa Method whereby a large round flake with double convex sides is utilized.  This is a much lesser found handaxe than any other type of the Acheulian Tradition in the northern Sahara deposits.  THIS IS THE THIRD TIME WE HAVE OFFERED A KOMBEWA FLAKE HAND AXE AND IT IS THE FINEST ANYONE COULD EVER OFFER.  This ovate hand axe features a broad and well-made profile and chopping edge. 

Its highly skilled prehistoric human maker chose to make this gem out of a bi-colored quartzite of golden orange and wine red.  The wine red color was purposely oriented on the grip where the palm of the hand would touch it.  You cannot improve on this amazing prehistoric work of art.  In every way, it is spectacular! The size, form, flaking skill, refined cutting edges and choice of color of the stone make this a true prestige piece in its day.  IN PERFECT 'AS MADE' CONDITION WITH NO REPAIR OR RESTORATION.

Surface areas of this Stone Age tool display a "desert varnish" - a natural glossy surface where the artifact lay undisturbed and exposed to blowing sands, for millennia.  The wind-driven sand polished and deposited microscopic layers of silica on the surfaces of the artifact, giving it a sheen.  In many cases, a bi-colored patina on either side, also developed, as the exposed side patinated differently than the unexposed side.  Original sediment and  mineral encrustations are still present in microscopic crevices and cracks - 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. 

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.

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