Northern / Western Africa, Mauritania, Mesolithic Period, ca. 15000 to 5000 BCE. A large bifacial chert hand tool or axe that is expertly knapped from a mottled stone with beautiful hues of creamy beige and maroon-lavender! This example is notable for its beautiful coloration - the purple hues almost look like bruises across pale skin. The faces are expertly knapped with a flat blade edge, and the curved butt end could be gripped or hafted onto a handle or pole with a cord. The Mesolithic period experienced dramatic advances of blade technology in North Africa that spread along the coastal regions. Size: 6" L x 2.5" W (15.2 cm x 6.4 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#154299
Condition
Age and use expected chips to faces and peripheries, otherwise intact and excellent. Beautiful coloration throughout.