MOUSTERIAN - EUROPE

JASPER HANDAXE

Ref #:  300

Type:  Mousterian Bifacial Handaxe

Material:  Fontmaure Jasper

Period:  Middle Paleolithic Period  80,000 - 40,000 years ago

Provenance:  Fontmaure, West Central France

Measurements:  15 cm x 10.5 cm

Comments:  Largest handaxe we've seen come from the Fontmaure site.  Fits like a glove in the left hand only.  Natural openings in the jasper used as finger pockets.  Ingenious and masterfully executed grip design with finger pockets on BOTH sides and a round, bulbous proximal end to distribute impact shock across entire palm.  This rounded end shows extensive hammering to get the desired shape as seen in the dimpled regions in the photo third from the top.  Sharp tip is thin and well made.  Specimen was dug hence the lustrous soil sheen throughout.