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Product Description
This GENUINE bifacial quartzite 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 Acheulian 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 a RARE example that is perfectly made with excellent refined flaking, of an Acheulian hand axe form known as an ELONGATE AMYGDALOID BIFACIAL hand axe. At only 3.5" in length, it was likely made for a child or for a woman with hands smaller than a man. It is exactly the same form of a larger specimen but just made on a reduced scale. Could it have been used in trade, been kept as a token or even made by an expert prehistoric artisan to demonstrate their skill? It is perfectly made and complete with very refined flaking which would have been extremely difficult in this tough stone, on such a small scale. The chopping tip and edges are intact and well-made with evidence of original prehistoric primary and secondary flaking. This hand axe is complete and in "as found" ORIGINAL condition with NO REPAIR AND NO RESTORATION.
Surface areas of the 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.