A superb Acheulian stone hand axe, Late Acheulian Period, c. 200,000 - 100,000 years ago, Central Africa. This bifacial quartzite axe would have been made and used by early humans of the primitive species Homo erectus (ergaster), and is a nicely formed and preserved example. The chopping tip and edges are intact and well-made, likely created using soft hammer percussion flaking by an antler, bone or wood tool. 7 ½ x 4 ½ in (19 x 11.4 cm) and about 1 3/8 in (3.5 cm) thick. Original sediment and mineral encrustations are still present in microscopic crevices and cracks - a trait that is only found in authentic Paleolithic artifacts like this, and are a testament to the age of this example. Ex Los Angeles private collection.

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