{"product_id":"genuine-neolithic-early-stone-age-tool-3-flint-tranchet-axes-85x61mm-4000-6000-bce-natural-history-specimen","title":"Genuine Neolithic Flint Tranchet Axes | Set of 3 | Western Sahara | c.4000–6000 BCE","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthentic Stone Age Tools, 6,000–8,000 Years Old\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional set of three genuine tranchet axes dates to the early Neolithic period — a pivotal chapter in human prehistory when communities across North Africa were transitioning from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture. Each axe was hand-knapped from local flint by Neolithic craftspeople in the region of Dakhla-Boujdour, Western Sahara, and has since acquired the distinctive glossy desert patina that forms only through millennia of exposure to arid, windswept conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Tranchet Technique\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTranchet axes are defined by their characteristic transverse cutting edge, produced by a single precise lateral flake removal — a sophisticated knapping technique that created a sharp, chisel-like blade ideal for woodworking, hide preparation, and general cutting tasks. The skill required to produce a clean tranchet edge is considerable, and these examples demonstrate the accomplished craftsmanship of their makers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Condition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tranchet axes (set of 3)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early Neolithic, c.4000–6000 BCE\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dakhla-Boujdour region, Western Sahara\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Local flint with natural desert patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 85 × 61mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine — all three artifacts intact and well-preserved\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0879678586\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSerious archaeological and prehistoric artefact collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuseum acquisitions and educational displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural history and human prehistory collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScholars and enthusiasts of North African prehistory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"BugsDirect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43345373102269,"sku":"0879678586","price":928.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1228\/7064\/products\/il_fullxfull.4988409677_gy8d.jpg?v=1703318790","url":"https:\/\/www.bugsdirect.com\/en-au\/products\/genuine-neolithic-early-stone-age-tool-3-flint-tranchet-axes-85x61mm-4000-6000-bce-natural-history-specimen","provider":"BugsDirect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}