Western Europe, France, Loire-Neivre, Middle Paleolithic, Mousterian, 160,000 to 40,000 years ago. A knapped-stone hand axe from the Mousterian tradition, a tool making industry associated with Neanderthals in Europe. The petaloid blade is defined by slightly convex faces, a rounded butt end, a tapered tip, and sharpened edges around the peripheries. The mottled coloration is a result of oxidation and/or hydration in the sediment around the stone. Considered some of the rarest and most-prized tools of the Neanderthals, this is a fabulous example of ancient stone-working! Size: 4.75" L x 3.25" W (12.1 cm x 8.3 cm)

Provenance: private Manhattan, Illinois, USA collection, acquired before 2000; ex-J.L. Gasnier collection

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#184017

Chips and abrasions, but otherwise intact. Nice patina to the surface. Old inventory number written on the surface.