Neolithic - Battle axe with a hafting groove in flaked and polished stone - 7000/5000 BC.






Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142857 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Neolithic basalt battle axe with a groove and polished surface, length 5.4 cm and width 3.2 cm, provenance France from Bonhams with origin Niger, authentic/original and well conserved, acquired in 2025 from a gallery/antiquarian, previously in a private collection since 1970.
Description from the seller
This three-quarter grooved axe, also known as a beaded-edge axe or throat axe, comes from an old private collection. It is in perfect condition. It is polished over its entire surface, and it has an ancient patina, proof of its antiquity. The axe of this model has been skillfully pecked, sharpened, and polished. Its lower part is concave, forming a groove. These axes were used for hunting and for combat. This shallow groove led archaeologist Joffre Coe to propose that the underside rested on a wooden T-shaped handle, with straps wound around the main groove and the cross-piece of the handle. This axe was found in Niger. Dimensions: Length 5.4 cm – Width 3.2 cm. Provenance: France, Bonhams. An important private archaeological collection.
The seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally; provenance declaration seen by Catawiki.
Important information: The seller warrants that he is authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will ensure that the necessary authorizations, such as an export license, are arranged. (Cultural Property Passport)
The seller will inform the buyer of his status if this takes more than a few days.
All of the seller's items are sent with insurance equal to the purchase price and are accompanied by an illustrated descriptive document noting the provenance.
Seller's Story
This three-quarter grooved axe, also known as a beaded-edge axe or throat axe, comes from an old private collection. It is in perfect condition. It is polished over its entire surface, and it has an ancient patina, proof of its antiquity. The axe of this model has been skillfully pecked, sharpened, and polished. Its lower part is concave, forming a groove. These axes were used for hunting and for combat. This shallow groove led archaeologist Joffre Coe to propose that the underside rested on a wooden T-shaped handle, with straps wound around the main groove and the cross-piece of the handle. This axe was found in Niger. Dimensions: Length 5.4 cm – Width 3.2 cm. Provenance: France, Bonhams. An important private archaeological collection.
The seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally; provenance declaration seen by Catawiki.
Important information: The seller warrants that he is authorized to sell/export this lot.
The seller will ensure that the necessary authorizations, such as an export license, are arranged. (Cultural Property Passport)
The seller will inform the buyer of his status if this takes more than a few days.
All of the seller's items are sent with insurance equal to the purchase price and are accompanied by an illustrated descriptive document noting the provenance.
Seller's Story
Details
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.
