CAPSIAN TRADITION AFRICAN NEOLITHIC COLLECTION

GROUND STONE AXE WITH LONGITUDINAL GROOVE

Ref #:  414

Type:  Ground Stone Axe with Longitudinal Groove

Material:  Quartzite

Period:  Capsian Tradition African Neolithic  8500 - 3000 years ago

Provenance:  Northwest Africa

Measurements:  13.5 cm x 7.6 cm

Comments:  Unusual bifacial partial lengthwise groove is present.  Possibly, this axe was handheld and the fingers fit inside the grooves.  Grooves are curved and bend the opposite ways on either side of the axe rather than be identical in their orientation.  Fits perfectly in the hand with grooves serving as finger rests.