Neolithic Basalt Tool - 130 mm - Aboriginal Hand Axe
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
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Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Neolithic Aboriginal Hand Axe from Australia, dating to about 5000 bc, with auction house provenance and a private collection history that adds context and potential value for bidders.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Auction house provenance, previously private collection.
Aboriginal hand axes were generally made from volcanic rock. They began as large flakes, river cobbles, or cores of stone, prepared into a useable shape usually by hammer dressing then one edge was sharpened, usually by grinding. Sometimes hatchets and axes were hafted into a wooden or cane handle so they could be used for chopping and cleaving wood and bark.
This example does inlcude a groove which may have been used for hafting, it shows signs of use along the bottom edge.
Due to the colours of the stone, the aboriginal people may have considered this a Sacred stone object (tjuringa). A variety of natural, waterworn, shaped and painted stones were utilised throughout Australia as sacred stones. Many of these were stored in sacred places, buried beneath the ground or cached in trees, rock crevices, or the backs of caves and rock shelters.
shipped royal mail tracked
Auction house provenance, previously private collection.
Aboriginal hand axes were generally made from volcanic rock. They began as large flakes, river cobbles, or cores of stone, prepared into a useable shape usually by hammer dressing then one edge was sharpened, usually by grinding. Sometimes hatchets and axes were hafted into a wooden or cane handle so they could be used for chopping and cleaving wood and bark.
This example does inlcude a groove which may have been used for hafting, it shows signs of use along the bottom edge.
Due to the colours of the stone, the aboriginal people may have considered this a Sacred stone object (tjuringa). A variety of natural, waterworn, shaped and painted stones were utilised throughout Australia as sacred stones. Many of these were stored in sacred places, buried beneath the ground or cached in trees, rock crevices, or the backs of caves and rock shelters.
shipped royal mail tracked
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Neolithic
Century/ Timeframe
5000bc
Country of Origin
Australia
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Basalt
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
130 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Width
70 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Australia
Depth
40 mm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Title additional information
Aboriginal Hand Axe
Sold by
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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.
