Description:

Northwestern Africa, Algeria & Mauritania, Acheulean (Lower Paleolithic) to Mesolithic Period, ca. 1.7 million to 8000 years ago. A collection of 3 stone hand axes or tools in bifacial and convex forms hand-knapped from chert and used by early humans. The 2 largest are of a hefty make with broad flaking patterns and a tear-drop profile- the umber brown stone is polished to a smooth, almost silky surface from exposure, attesting to the great age. The third tool is an elongated ovoid shape that could do more intricate tasks, made from a mottled chert with beautiful hues of creamy beige and maroon-lavender! The 2 large Acheulean tools were likely made by Homo erectus and the later Mesolithic period blade by Homo sapiens. It is always thrilling to hold such ancient artefacts and see the progression in technology made by our prehistoric ancestors! Size (largest blade): 8" L x 4.25" W (20.3 cm x 10.8 cm); (smaller blade): 4.75" L x 1.5" W (12.1 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private South Carolina, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#171421

  • Condition: Expected nicks not from knapping process and chips to narrow end of smallest blade and periphery of midsized tool, and find site written on this tool. Largest tool intact and excellent patina.

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May 12, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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