As you will know, I have been putting in some effort searching areas that hold Upper Paleolithic material. Most of what can be found comprises crude flakes and levallois flake tools. I was very lucky earlier in the year to find a 'bifacially flaked' spear point. Meanwhile it had been back to crude scrapers, knives and blades. But perseverance is the key to success in our game and yesterday it was my turn for a real prize winner.
Biface core tools from the Upper Paleolithic are exceptionally rare in the UK.... mostly because we were covered in ice throughout the period of Mousterian Technology. You only have to search through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) database to see how many (none) there are; or a Google images search. It is one of those objects that is so rare you stand a better chance of winning the lottery )
Yesterday I found one !
The beauty of these small hand axes is unquestionable. It is in near perfect condition, with one tiny plough dink, with a sharp edge (not mint). The shape is cordate with what appears to be some contemporary sharpening, which has reduced the tip producing a slight 'waist' or narrowing of the cordate form. The side profile is the twisted 'S' shape that you see on many hand axes; in fact it looks like a miniaturised Acheulian hand axe.
I have never held one of these axes before and I am totally in love with it.... happy days
Biface core tools from the Upper Paleolithic are exceptionally rare in the UK.... mostly because we were covered in ice throughout the period of Mousterian Technology. You only have to search through the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) database to see how many (none) there are; or a Google images search. It is one of those objects that is so rare you stand a better chance of winning the lottery )
Yesterday I found one !
The beauty of these small hand axes is unquestionable. It is in near perfect condition, with one tiny plough dink, with a sharp edge (not mint). The shape is cordate with what appears to be some contemporary sharpening, which has reduced the tip producing a slight 'waist' or narrowing of the cordate form. The side profile is the twisted 'S' shape that you see on many hand axes; in fact it looks like a miniaturised Acheulian hand axe.
I have never held one of these axes before and I am totally in love with it.... happy days
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