AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
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POUND STERLING
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Product Description
This is one of the finest (and probably the oldest) European Lower Paleolithic Oldowan pebble axes we have offered for sale. The site is famous for being one of the oldest Lower Paleolithic sites in West Europe but is very small. The tools occur in a peat layer beneath an ocean bluff but the site is now buried under fallen former Nazi bunkers and eroded bluff debris and sand. Beach action and erosion caused many of the tools previously collected there to be badly damaged or eroded by the wave action. This spectacular example is the exception and of all Oldowan pebble axes, this specimen has a prominent and masterfully created sharp cleaver-like chopping edge. The proximal end has been utilized to serve as an ergonomic hand and finger grip - a highly intelligent design concept considering how well it fits in the hand.
Extreme patina on the flint surface and marine life encrustations are a testament to its advanced prehistoric age. Lack of any unsightly nicks or breakage make this a choice grade example for the finest Paleolithic human tool collections. As a complete and superbly executed intact piece, it is one of the finest possible pebble axes that the site has been known to once produce. Large pebble choppers like this were used to smash the massive bones of fauna such as mammoths, rhinos and giant deer to gain access to the nourishing marrow inside. This Lower Paleolithic chopper displays remarkably well-executed workmanship and control to have flaked the well-formed edges. For any Paleolithic tool collection, this is a must have specimen as an example like this shows features that are very difficult to find in today's market.
WARNING: There are a host of these "tools" for sale on Ebay and other websites providing less information and understanding of Lower Paleolithic specimens. Many of these sources offer nothing more than damaged ancient river cobbles caused by environmental action (glacial disturbance, frost damage, etc.) or modern made fakes. Every broken cobblestone found is NOT a human-created Paleolithic tool! The determination of what is manmade and what is an ordinary broken river rock requires a very high level of understanding Paleolithic tool manufacture and technique as well as the experience to be able to differentiate the two and authenticate a genuine stone tool from this culture. Know your source and only deal with well-informed sellers who can help you understand the difference.
