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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 INCREDIBLE 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.
Coming from a unique German private collection of a former Saharan explorer estate formed in the 1960's, this finest collector specimen is unique in many ways. Whereas, most Saharan Acheulean hand axes are made of quartzite or basalt, this example was made of plum root beer tabular flint. It is classified as an AMYGDALOID BIFACE hand axe, and features classic intelligent flaking with a purposely flaked recess was removed from the center to serve as an ergonomic thumb grip (see photos). Recessed secondary areas were flaked for finger grips when the hand axe is held in use. The symmetry is fantastic and all profile shaping and edge flaking is on the highest level! There is none of the customary modern collecting and handling damage often associated with Saharan prehistoric hand axes. The tip is sharply pointed exactly as originally made with no modern damage, EXTREMELY RARE for something so delicate. The entire hand axe is still in the same perfect condition as when originally made. The notch in one side edge is an original anomaly of the stone and not a result of any damage. It too, is polished smoothly indicating it was exposed at the time the hand axe was originally flaked by its original Homo ergaster artisan.
Because this hand axe lay flat on one side for untold millennia, the hand axe has a strongly contrasting bi-colored hue. The side facing down absorbed the minerals of the desert sand and took on iron-colored pigments and original outer layers. It was also protected from the blowing winds so it became much less polished than the other side which lay up and was exposed to the wind and elements. This extreme long-term exposure brought out the core root beer-colored flint and yielded a heavy glossy surface that resembles melting ice cream! Millennia of desert wind exposure has polished the surface to a level we have rarely seen in Saharan prehistoric stone artifacts!
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.
Genuine Saharan Acheulean hand axes of this quality are rare and recent realized prices at major auction houses are proving what we have been saying for year, that authentic high grade artifacts of primitive humans remain one of the most promising investments. Specimens like this are one in many, many thousands and are exceptionally rare. Collectors consider prized features to include either size, workmanship or color but when ALL exist, then it is truly an important piece to include in a collection as this one is.
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.
