Type: Neolithic hand axe (celt).
Age: Neolithic, Capsian Tradition, approximately 5000 to 7000 BC.
Origin: Sahara Desert, North Africa.
Length: 6.8 cm
For tens of thousands of years, the flint hand axe was our species' tool of choice. Then, in the Neolithic, a new innovation took hold. By grinding stones under water with sand, early humans could create a strong and polished tool with a sharp edge, called celts. These celts could be held in hand or hafted into wooden handles to create axes, plows, and adzes and played a major role in the early agricultural revolution as their smooth and sturdy structure were perfect for chopping and grinding crops.
This particular tool comes from North Africa and is dated to roughly 7,000-9,000 years old. This puts it contemporary with a period of increased wetness, leading to more wildlife, agriculture, and the development of early human communities. Experience the deep time present in the tool and wonder at the hands they must have touched!