M401 - MOUSTERIAN NEANDERTHAL BACKED KNIFE FROM FRANCE MADE OF UNUSUAL QUARTZITE

Product Description

ID

Mousterian Tool

FOUND

Rock Shelter - Dordogne, France

AGE

MOUSTERIAN:  80,000 - 40,000 years

SIZE

1.75" long

CONDITION

INTACT AND COMPLETE. NO REPAIR.
OR RESTORATION.  INTACT BURIAL
MINERALS STILL ATTACHED

NOTE

RARE TO HAVE IT MADE IN QUARTZITE
WHEN NEARLY ALL FOUND WERE
MADE IN FLINT.  PERFECT AND
COMPLETE AS ORIGINALLY MADE.

INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX

Comes with a certificate of
authenticity / information sheet

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MOUSTERIAN TOOLS

This authentic stone tool was fashioned by Neanderthals over 40,000 years ago and collected from a former Neanderthal occupation site in France, considered to be the "Capitol of Prehistory".  The site this specimen was excavated from is now closed and protected by the government.  The fact that this archeological site is off-limits to any collecting, makes this wonderful stone tool artifact exceedingly rare and desirable!    Because collecting these artifacts has been off-limits for decades, genuine fine grade Mousterian Neanderthal tools such as this specimen are most certain to continue to appreciate in value as time goes on.

This Neanderthal flint tool is classified as a BACKED KNIFE.  It is rare in that it is made from QUARTZITE rather than the typical flint.  Being quartzite, it is much more difficult to shape compared to flint yet, the cutting edge would stay sharper longer due to the stone being harder than flint.  Clearly, this would have been a factor in its Neanderthal maker choosing this type of stone over flint to make a knife!  A sharp cutting edge can be seen on one side with a flat portion on the opposing side that was made for comfort when pushing down with an index finger during use.  Cutting edge is complete as made and shows prehistoric evidence of use.  It has intact mineral deposits on the surfaces and hinge fractures to testify to its authenticity and lack of any modern alterations.  A superb example from this world famous Neanderthal region!  NO RESTORATION, REPAIR OR MODERN DAMAGE.