Lot 146a, Auction 4/3/2026: Mousterian Neanderthal Jasper Hand Axe Fontmaure France

$3,250.00

In stock

Western Europe, France, Velleches, Fontmaure Open Site, Mousterian, ca. 80,000 to 40,000 years ago. Fashioned out of rich, golden jasper that the famous Fontmaure site is known for, this extraordinary unifacial triangular biface hand axe was made by a Neanderthal in the classic Mousterian tradition. Much larger than typical bifaces found at the site, this exquisite hand axe features a unifacial design with secondary flaking on the flat side to refine its spectacular triangular shape. The naturally rough surface increased the ability to hold the hand axe when slippery from blood while butchering large game. A flat angled facet on the grip end affords added comfort against the palm when the hand axe is used. The lower half of the hand axe was extensively flaked to form a well-made triangular profile and pointed tip. Fontmaure jasper tools are rarely sold and are highly valued for their importance to human evolution and beauty! Size: 5″ L x 3.9″ W (12.7 cm x 9.9 cm)

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Condition: Complete, no repair or restoration! Rich patina and earthen luster.

Provenance: private Texas, USA Collection, ex-private Stolzenbach collection, Netherlands; ex-private Belgian collection, formed in the 1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

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