Capsian Tradition African Neolithic Ground Stone Hand Axe, Southern Sahara, Mali – Circa 6,000 to 3,500 B.C.

Description

This authentic artifact was handcrafted approximately 6,000 to 3,500 B.C., belonging to the Capsian tradition of the African Neolithic. Such artifacts are found in the southern Sahara region, north of Timbuktu in Mali. 
The period corresponds to the African Neolithic and saw the appearance of polished tool industry on the African continent. ic Period in the Middle East.
Shaped of sedimentary calcite, a very hard stone, obvious iron content is visible in the reddish-orange spotting.
Known as “celts”, such hand axes are a much more effective tool than flaked axes. 
It cannot be determined however if this artifact was used as a tool in the true sense of the term. It could have possibly been used as a ritual object, as a number of this type of artifact called “pierre de tonnerre” (translated: thunder stone) has been found in this region. 
Possessing a remarkably beautiful patina on its cutting edge, this piece  also displays evidence of its old age, in the deposits resulting from thousands of years of exposure to the desert Aeolian forces.

Length: 15,5 cm (6 inches)
Width: 5,5 cm (2 1/4 inches)
Thickness: 4,5 cm (1 3/4 inches)