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SUPERB ACHEULIAN FICRON AXE WITH STUNNING PATINA AND WORKMANSHIP MADE BY HOMO ERECTUS (ERGASTER) Exposed Site - Algerian Sahara Desert, North Africa LOWER PALEOLITHIC PERIOD (ACHEULIAN): 1.2 million - 500,000 years ago This wonderful classic quartzite handaxe was made and used by early humans of the primitive species Homo erectus. It was surface-collected from an exposed Acheulian site in the Sahara Desert of North Africa. This Lower Paleolithic tool represents the first intelligent design type known to science that was made by primitive humans. Prior to these Saharan Acheulian handaxes, only crude pebble and flake tools existed in the human fossil record. This is a spectacular example of an uncommon Acheulian handaxe design called a FICRON. A ficron axe has the same form of a typical bifacial lanceolate or micoquian axe with the exception that the edges were made in a cruder manner with larger flakes having been removed and/or in a more irregular pattern. Some ficrons have very elongate and delicate tips despite the flaking manner. This particular specimen shows a semi-trihedral bit which is complete and masterfully executed by its former Homo erectus (ergaster) maker. Of all the specimens of this type we have ever offered, this is the FINEST SPECIMEN in every way. The axe is meant to be held in the left hand with the black patinated side facing away from your hand. In this manner, the grip feels incredibly comfortable and this is the manner in which its primitive human maker intended it to be held as all other methods are not comfortable. The patina is also incredible - classic bi-color with one side black over a orange-red color and the other side orange-red which is the color derived from the Sahara sand exposure. Bi-color patina in specimens like this are a textbook example of authenticity. Workmanship and form is truly masterful work! Excellent wind erosion of flaked areas as well as natural seams in the rock - a prized and premium feature and testament to age!!! Finest and most beautiful patina throughout. In "as found" ORIGINAL condition with NO MODERN DAMAGE, NO REPAIR AND NO RESTORATION. In Africa, the Acheulian Tradition is well-defined and most diverse when compared to other regions where it eventually spread to. HANDAXES are the most typical bifacial tool associated with this period. Different from the bifacial tools from the earlier Oldowan Period, Acheulian tools are fashioned from large flakes as opposed to using a whole cobblestone as the core. Along with handaxes, other bifacial tools that are Acheulian are CLEAVERS (large handaxes with a flat chopping edge) and PICKS (robust elongated, trihedral tools). Other stone implements found at Acheulian sites are small tools like NOTCHES, SCRAPERS and SPHEROIDS (round flaked stone balls). Most tools of this period were fashioned from basalt or quartzite. The actual function of handaxes is debated. Some suggest they were not used as a chopping tool but for butchering large game. Scientists have shown that these tools exhibit wear common to butchery uses and these tools have been found in association with prehistoric elephant bones on intact "kill sites" of this period. Other scientists have theorized they were thrown into a herd as a deadly spinning projectile. Probably the most interesting theory and one that explains why many unworn and pristine condition tools have been found abandoned is that of the tool's use not as a tool at all but as an aid to sexual attraction. Possibly, males used techniques of being able to fashion symmetrical stone axes to attract females and demonstrate they were the most capable individual for survival and support of a family. If you were a primitive human able to make a large symmetrical handaxe, this would show you were genetically superior and an excellent candidate for mating. There is much evidence that contradicts this theory but it sure is quite an interesting hypothesis. Based on the varieties of utilitarian handaxe designs, and not only obvious wear from use but actual well-thought flaking designs to best fit ones hand, there's really little doubt that these stone tools were relied upon on a daily basis for primitive man's existence. ONE OF THE FINEST PATINAS AND WORKMANSHIP WE HAVE OFFERED IN THIS AXE TYPE - PREHISTORIC MASTERPIECE! 7.25" in length x 2.6" wide SOLD ACH-091 Actual Item - One Only |
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