Paleolithic Quartzite Hand axe - 175 mm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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An Acheulean biface hand axe in quartzite, 175 mm long, 70 mm wide and 40 mm thick, weighing 413 g, dating to 300,000–400,000 years with origins in Africa and probable manufacture by Homo heidelbergensis, in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This is an Acheulean biface from the Lower Paleolithic, typical of Saharan lithic industries. Its amygdaloid (almond-shaped) form and its flaking on both faces are characteristic of the Acheulean culture.
Technical characteristics
Material: Probably quartzite or brown-reddish flint, materials commonly used in the Libyan Sahara for their availability and knapping properties.
Manufacturing technique: Biface flaking (on both faces) following the Acheulean technique
Form: Symmetrical amygdaloid with a broader base and a tapered tip
Dimensions: The object measures 175 mm in length x 70 mm in width x 40 mm in thickness
Mass: 413 g
We can date this tool with high probability to about 300,000–400,000 years ago.
Homo heidelbergensis (or Homo rhodesiensis) probably made this tool
Multi-purpose tool: for chopping meat, scraping hides, digging roots, perhaps even as a throwing weapon or a percussion tool.
This is an Acheulean biface from the Lower Paleolithic, typical of Saharan lithic industries. Its amygdaloid (almond-shaped) form and its flaking on both faces are characteristic of the Acheulean culture.
Technical characteristics
Material: Probably quartzite or brown-reddish flint, materials commonly used in the Libyan Sahara for their availability and knapping properties.
Manufacturing technique: Biface flaking (on both faces) following the Acheulean technique
Form: Symmetrical amygdaloid with a broader base and a tapered tip
Dimensions: The object measures 175 mm in length x 70 mm in width x 40 mm in thickness
Mass: 413 g
We can date this tool with high probability to about 300,000–400,000 years ago.
Homo heidelbergensis (or Homo rhodesiensis) probably made this tool
Multi-purpose tool: for chopping meat, scraping hides, digging roots, perhaps even as a throwing weapon or a percussion tool.
Details
Culture
Paleolithic
Century/timeframe
Acheuléen
Name of object
Hand axe
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1972
Material
Quartzite
Country acquired from
Africa
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
175 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
70 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Africa
Depth
40 mm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
