Lot 280
Neolithic, Denmark, ca. 3000 to 2500 BCE. A fine flint axe head or celt, finely ground and polished, of stunning golden-hues with grey and white inclusions. This piece was probably for ceremonial use, considered of great value and kept apart for display. Celts such as this were often used as grave goods for important nobles, or given as influential gifts and may have had a role in pagan religious rites. Size: 5-5/8"L x 2-3/8"at widest point.
Stone celts were gradually replaced by metal axes and adzes as they are more efficient for cutting wood because the blade can be made thinner and thus cuts deeper. Metal can also be melted down, reused and recast. However, in spite of the many advantages stone was only gradually replaced by metal. Indeed it was not until the last centuries before Christ when iron, a much more abundant metal than copper, was introduced, that the tradition of stone implements was largely abandoned in Europe. Nevertheless today, in some remote areas of the world, the ancient techniques are still used by a handful of hunting and gathering peoples who are the last to use stone for tools and weapons. They are the last heirs to a technological tradition that made it possible for early man to survive, and to establish the base of mankinds cultural development. Provenance: Ex P. Davis via descent, acquired between 1985 and 1995 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. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #109141
- Condition: Intact with chips at peripheries from age and use.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |