Neolithic Stone, set of 7 Hand axe
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
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Description from the seller
These tools correspond to the type of sausage-shaped polished axes (or axes with an oval/elliptical cross-section), major characteristics of the Saharan Neolithic.
Unlike European axes, often flat or stout, those from the Sahara frequently exhibit this elongated cylindrical and rounded form, without a clearly marked flat edge, suited to a specific hafting. This morphological type is found in the collections from the Ténéré and the Niger–Chadian region.
Materials and Geology
The diversity of rocks is typical of Saharan productions that exploited local resources:
Basalt and dolerite Sandstone or quartzite Granite
Multipurpose tools: These sausage-shaped axes were mainly used for woodwork (felling, debarking), but also potentially as pestles or rollers for grinding plant materials, a dual function evidenced in the Niger–Chadian Neolithic.
Period: This type of tool is associated with the humid Saharan Neolithic, generally dated between 8,000 and 3,000 BCE (even up to 2,000 BCE in some regions such as the Ténéré), a period during which the Sahara was a savanna inhabited by pastoralists and hunter-gatherers.
Desert patina: The uniform grayish color and the matte appearance of certain faces attest to long exposure to the desert’s sand winds (aeolian patina).
Set of 7 polished sausages-shaped axes from 110 mm to 40 mm and from 275 g to 60 g.
These tools correspond to the type of sausage-shaped polished axes (or axes with an oval/elliptical cross-section), major characteristics of the Saharan Neolithic.
Unlike European axes, often flat or stout, those from the Sahara frequently exhibit this elongated cylindrical and rounded form, without a clearly marked flat edge, suited to a specific hafting. This morphological type is found in the collections from the Ténéré and the Niger–Chadian region.
Materials and Geology
The diversity of rocks is typical of Saharan productions that exploited local resources:
Basalt and dolerite Sandstone or quartzite Granite
Multipurpose tools: These sausage-shaped axes were mainly used for woodwork (felling, debarking), but also potentially as pestles or rollers for grinding plant materials, a dual function evidenced in the Niger–Chadian Neolithic.
Period: This type of tool is associated with the humid Saharan Neolithic, generally dated between 8,000 and 3,000 BCE (even up to 2,000 BCE in some regions such as the Ténéré), a period during which the Sahara was a savanna inhabited by pastoralists and hunter-gatherers.
Desert patina: The uniform grayish color and the matte appearance of certain faces attest to long exposure to the desert’s sand winds (aeolian patina).
Set of 7 polished sausages-shaped axes from 110 mm to 40 mm and from 275 g to 60 g.
Details
Culture
Neolithic
Century/timeframe
Néolithique
Name of object
Hand axe
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1976
Material
set of 7, Stone
Country acquired from
Mauritania
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Previous owner - country acquired from
Mauritania
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.
