Description:

Northwestern Africa, Sahara Desert, Acheulean (Lower Paleolithic), ca. 1.2 million to 500,000 years ago. A massive Acheulean hand axe, knapped into an almond shape with a carefully designed hand grip on the rounded butt end. These hand axes, made by early humans of the species Homo erectus (ergaster), are among the first scientifically documented tools showing intelligent design. Before these, only crude pebble and flake tools appeared in the fossil record. At the time, the Sahara was a savanna teeming with wildlife, where early humans lived alongside prehistoric giraffes, bison, and elephants. Hunting and butchering these animals required specialized tools like this one. Size: 8.75" L x 5" W (22.2 cm x 12.7 cm).

Please note that this piece is a dropship item, meaning that it will be shipping from the consignor's location. All information regarding condition, size, stone identification, and metal content have been provided by the consignor.

Provenance: private California, USA collection; ex-private French collection, formed in the 1960s

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#187932

  • Condition: No repair or restoration. Mineral deposits are intact.

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August 29, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000