Hand Axe from the Lower Late Paleolithic

June 21, 2016

Tool

Photographer: Jim Bucko
Summary Author: Jim Bucko

This hand axe was found near Tel Shimron, Israel and is perhaps 250,000 years old. Based on its color and patina the rock it was carved from is most likely flint. The dig I was participating in uncovered two similar axes and several other tools, including sickles, awls, and drills. Hand axes are not uncommon in this area of the Middle East. Over 8,000 axes like the one pictured here have been excavated at Paleolithic sites in Israel near Abel Beth-Maachah in far northern Israel in recent years.

Photo Details: Camera Model: Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS; Focal Length: 6.2mm; Aperture: ƒ/2.8; Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200); ISO equiv: 80. 

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