Biface, commonly referred to as a hand ax
Unknown Artist
ca. 400,000–240,000 B.C.
Medium
Flint
Dimensions
L. 11.9 × W. 8.2 × Th. 4 cm, Wt. 356.5g (4 11/16 × 3 3/16 × 1 9/16 in., 12.574oz.)
Classification
Tool, Biface, Hand-axe, Ovate
Period
Lower Paleolithic Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of C. T. Currelly, 1906
Accession Number
06.322.48
About this artwork
This flint biface, commonly referred to as a hand ax, dates to approximately 400,000-240,000 BCE during the Lower Paleolithic period. The tool was found in Upper Egypt near Thebes and represents the technological achievements of early hominin populations in the Nile Valley. The biface exhibits the characteristic teardrop or almond shape created through bifacial flaking, meaning stone was removed from both faces to create sharp edges. The flint has been skillfully knapped to produce a pointed ti...