CAPSIAN TRADITION AFRICAN NEOLITHIC COLLECTION

ENGRAVED LARGE FLAKE

Ref #:  561

Type:  Engraved and Incised Unifacial Flake

Material:  Flint

Period:  Capsian NW African Neolithic  8500 - 3000 years ago

Provenance:  Northwest Africa

Measurements:  11.5 cm x 10.5 cm

Comments:  It is a mystery what this engraving means.  This is a seemingly naturally occurring (not struck) unifacial flake with marks engraved on its flat face.  The other side of the flake is natural cortex.  The entire surface of both sides features a heavily oxidized white patina. 

The engraving was made with some delicate pointed sharp tool.  There are six single-walled circles with lines radiating outward surrounding a seventh double-walled circle with similar radiant lines.  Three of the surrounding circles have small dot marks engraved into their centers.  One of the surrounding radiant circles has a cross-hatched rectangle in its center.  At the base of the flake are several linear and block engraved regions all connected.