UNIQUE GROOVED NEOLITHIC STONE WAR AXE HEAD OF THE AFRICAN CAPSIAN CULTURE *CAP366

Product Description

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This broad edge pecked and ground stone grooved war axe is from the African Capsian Neolithic culture.  It was found on an exposed African Neolithic site in the Sahara Desert in Northwest Africa, and dates to over 5000 years ago.  Axes like this were made by grinding a single stone into a desired form and then pecking (hitting small controlled impacts to shape stone by chipping) the groove that would have been used to securely lash the axe head onto a wooden shaft handle.  The chopping end was ground and polished finer than the rest of the body, to achieve a sharp cutting edge.   At this time, the majority of the region was deforested so an axe of this type would not have been used to fell trees.  It could have been either a formidable weapon, or used to break the bones of cattle to get to the nourishing marrow.  Despite this culture being Neolithic, crop cultivation was uncommon and the societies were nomadic pastoralists, raising livestock as a predominant source of food and other resources.   

The majority of Capsian Neolithic stone axes are torpedo-shaped celt axes.  Grooved axes like this are scarce.  Adding to the rarity is the unique broad shape of this specimen with an asymmetrical form on the cutting side.  The rounded butt end would have been used also as a hammer striking weapon to crush skulls and break bones.  The entire axes head is perfectly preserved and complete with exceptional shaping and workmanship.  This fine specimen lacks any modern damage or alterations.  This war axe was selected out of hundreds and hundreds of inferior examples and represents the finest possible piece of its type - one of the best few of a large, life-long collection!  Intact original mineral deposits and patina deep within the flake scars and micro-crevices of the flaking are signs of authenticity and age not found in modern forgeries often seen on the market.