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AFRICAN NEOLITHIC SET OF FOUR KNAPPED AND POLISHED CHERT AND QUARTZITE STONE BATTLE AXES OF VARIOUS DESIGN Exposed Saharan Site - Northwest Africa NORTHWEST AFRICAN NEOLITHIC PERIOD (CAPSIAN TRADITION): 8,500 - 6,500 years ago This fine set of FOUR African Neolithic in the CAPSIAN TRADITION war axes was found on an exposed African Neolithic site in the Sahara Desert in Northwest Africa. The axes were masterfully fashioned by Neolithic humans between 8,500 and 6,500 years ago. This is a superb set showing four various war axe styles utilizing both knapping and grinding manufacture techniques. It is also a perfect set for complete study and education because it includes two of the basic types of stone used in war axes in this period - quartzite and chert / flint. The two axes on the left are made of quartzite and show amazing heavy natural wind gloss from long-term desert open exposure. The two chert specimens on the right show the same heavy, patina with beautiful colors. Axes used as weapons in battle were small enabling them to be wielded quickly and sharpened easier when severely damaged. All four of these specimens are superb examples of this kind of primitive stone-age weapon. They each show a lustrous thick patina from extreme desert exposure. These axes display the finest workmanship and these FOUR Neolithic war axes make a great compliment to a collection at a very affordable price. Similar to the European Neolithic flint axes, the African Neolithic types were partially ground and partially knapped. The cutting edge of the axes are also similar to their European counterparts in that they are ground to form a sturdy chopping edge. Specimens like these were hafted in wood or bone handles. Wonderful wind sheen to the surface. By this period in time, the Sahara was nearly devoid of trees needing axes to cut them down so the only purpose left for axes of this nature would have been for use as weapons. NO RESTORATION, NO REPAIR. In the final Pleistocene and early Holocene Periods around 10,000 years ago, the Sahara was believed to be a highly favorable environment for hunters, gatherers and pastoralists. Freshwater lakes existed between the dunes in what is now the Tenere region, Lake Chad was eight times its current size, the highlands supported Mediterranean forest trees, and a large fauna of animals flourished. The slow drying out process of the Sahara, began 7,000 years ago and ended 4500 years ago resulting in the barren conditions that exist to this day. As we progress from the time from the end of the Pleistocene to the end of the Paleolithic Period, we see man relying more on meat from raised animals as opposed to hunted animals. At the end of the Pleistocene Period in North Africa, a blade industry developed called the CAPSIAN TRADITION. The Capsian industry runs simultaneously with the Oranian industry and began around 11,000 years ago (9,000 years ago in the Northwest region). This later tradition is responsible for the influence of the Oranian industry and eventually succeeds it at the close of Paleolithic Period, ushering in the Neolithic Age of stone tool manufacture in this region of Africa. Most notable during the era of the Capsian tradition is the proliferation of various blades and bladelets eventually leading to MICROLITHIC technology. Microliths are tiny flake blade tools and segments of blades that are used as they are or set in composite tools of wood or bone for use as barbs or to make saws. The various tools of the CAPSIAN TRADITION represent some of the most delicately flaked and beautifully executed smaller stone tools of man. By this time, the flaking methods utilize small punches for extreme control in the removal of material and shape of the blade being made. Some points were so perfectly executed that they were not used at all but served as items of prestige by their owner and are sometimes found in association with burials. These finest points and blades from this period rival any stone implement ever made by primitive man and were sometimes manufactured out of the most stunning gem-grade material such as fine translucent chalcedony and agate as well as transparent crystalline quartz. By this late age of lithic tool manufacture, stone implements have undergone man's development by both trial-and-error and cognitive thinking spanning an overall time exceeding one million years. A SET OF FOUR TOP-GRADE, UNIQUE EXAMPLES OF NEOLITHIC WAR AXES WITH FANTASTIC FORM AND WORKMANSHIP! Axes range in size from 4.75" - 3.25" long $595 CAP127 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
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