Paleolithisch Steen Hand Axe (Biface) - 190 mm

Paleolithic Quartzite Hand Axe (Biface)
Important
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• Type of Object: Hand Axe (Biface)
• Culture: Middle Paleolithic
• Date: c. 200.000 years old
• Material: Quartzite
• Dimensions: 190 mm
• Condition: Good condition
• Origin: North Africa
• Object ID Number: 29
Provenance:
This Hand Axe (Biface) was acquired by Wim van Stormbroek in 2002 through a direct purchase from a collector, private collector N.N. a collector based in Utrecht (the Netherlands).
According to private collector N.N., he acquired this Hand Axe (Biface) in the 1980's through an purchase through an antique dealer and kept it in his private collection until 2002.
Before this, No further information regarding its earlier history was available from the previous owner.
This item is in a collection since the 1980's from a Private collector in the Netherlands.
This information was provided by private collector N.N. and is stated here to the best of my knowledge.
This object is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and provenance in PDF format, detailing its history and origin.
The hand axe (biface) from the Middle Paleolithic period was a crucial multi-purpose tool used by early hominins, including Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens. Unlike earlier versions, Middle Paleolithic hand axes were often more refined, exhibiting improved flaking techniques that allowed for sharper edges and better control over shape and symmetry.
This tool was likely used for a variety of daily tasks, including butchering animals, cutting wood, digging for roots, and shaping other tools. The bifacial design—flaked on both sides—offered durability and efficiency, making it a reliable survival tool in diverse environments. Some examples show evidence of hafting, where the axe was attached to a handle, further enhancing its usability.
Hand axes were not just tools but also reflections of cognitive and technological advancements. Their presence across vast regions indicates widespread knowledge-sharing among early human groups, marking an important step in prehistoric innovation and adaptation.
The Middle Paleolithic, spanning 300,000 to 50,000 years ago, was a transformative period in human evolution marked by the rise of Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens. This era saw significant advancements in toolmaking, with the Levallois technique producing finely crafted stone flakes. Hominins developed complex social behaviors, including cooperative hunting, fire use, and rudimentary symbolic expressions. Evidence of burial practices and the use of pigments reflects growing cognitive and cultural sophistication. The Middle Paleolithic set the stage for the further evolution of humans, bridging the gap between survival-based adaptations and emerging cultural practices.


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