ostracon ancient art
catalogue

Lower Palaeolithic Quartzite Hand Axe, 350000-200000 BC

Large ovate hand axe made of a flake of tan quartzite. Bifacial tool with carefully worked front side. The rougher back side with fewer removals. The continuous cutting edge weathered by sand and wind action.

This type of tool stands for the presence of Palaeolithic populations in North Africa.

For the hominid evolution in the Sahara and in North Africa, cf. Brown University Course ARCH 1616: Brett Kaufman. Between Sahara and Sea: North Africa from Human Origins to Islam. Providence, Rhode Island, n.d.

Intact and fine. Nice shape with great desert patina.

H. 17 cm (6.7 in), W. 9.9 cm (3.9 in)
Weight: 795 gr.

Swiss private collection, acquired 1968-1978.

180 USD