{"product_id":"british-palaeolithic-flint-cordiform-hand-axe","title":"Palaeolithic Flint Cordiform Hand Axe","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003eMiddle Palaeolithic Period, c. 50,000–40,000 BC, England\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA superb and well-preserved flint hand axe dating to the Middle Palaeolithic period, displaying an attractive warm cream-white patina developed over tens of thousands of years. Expertly fashioned from a single flint nodule, the tool has been skilfully worked into a classic cordiform (heart-shaped) bifacial form, carefully shaped to fit comfortably within the hand. The finely tapered point, symmetrical profile, and expertly flaked cutting edges demonstrate the remarkable craftsmanship and technical understanding of its prehistoric maker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe hand axe was created through the process of bifacial knapping, whereby flakes were systematically removed from both faces of the flint using a hammerstone and, during the final stages of manufacture, softer implements such as bone or antler to refine the edges. This highly effective technique produced a robust, multi-purpose tool capable of butchering game, processing hides, woodworking, and carrying out a wide variety of everyday tasks essential for survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHand axes are among the most iconic artefacts of prehistoric Europe and represent one of the earliest and longest-lasting technological traditions in human history. Stone tools, spanning more than 2.6 million years, form the earliest surviving material culture of the genus \u003ci\u003eHomo\u003c\/i\u003e, providing invaluable insight into the ingenuity, adaptability, and evolving cognitive abilities of our ancient ancestors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis elegant example belongs to the Middle Palaeolithic, a period associated in Britain primarily with Neanderthal populations, who occupied the region during warmer climatic phases before the onset of the last glacial maximum. Finds of this quality offer rare and tangible evidence of their sophisticated tool-making traditions and remarkable adaptation to the Ice Age landscapes of prehistoric Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA beautifully preserved and highly evocative artefact, this flint hand axe stands as a testament to the technological achievements of early humans and offers a direct connection to one of the most significant chapters in the story of human evolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eGood condition. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, nicks and chip. Size approx. 6,5cm x 4,9cm x 1,9cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eProvenance: Swedish private collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor a similar examples see:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHandaxe, The British Museum, Accession Number: 1964,1206.1026  (https:\/\/www.britishmuseum.org\/collection\/object\/H_1964-1206-1026)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Göta's World","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57186893070601,"sku":"100100630","price":225.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0695\/1557\/5561\/files\/IMG_0203.jpg?v=1783530799","url":"https:\/\/gotasworld.com\/products\/british-palaeolithic-flint-cordiform-hand-axe","provider":"Göta's World","version":"1.0","type":"link"}