{"product_id":"real-neolithic-early-stone-age-tool-quartzite-large-polishing-stone-with-3-grooves-182x64mm-4000-6000-bce-natural-history-specimen","title":"Genuine Neolithic Quartzite Polishing Stone | 3 Grooves | Algeria | c.4000–6000 BCE","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Craftsman's Tool from the Early Neolithic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis remarkable quartzite polishing stone dates to the early Neolithic period, c.4000–6000 BCE, and originates from the southern part of Algeria — a region rich in prehistoric human activity. Fashioned from a dense, fine-grained quartzite ideally suited to abrasive work, the stone was deliberately bush-hammered and shaped into a smooth oval form, indicating considered, purposeful manufacture rather than opportunistic use of a natural pebble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThree Grooves, Three Stories\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three distinct grooves worn into the surface of this stone are its most compelling feature. Each groove was formed through repeated, sustained contact with objects being shaped or polished — most likely tools, ornaments, or implements made from bone or horn. The depth and regularity of the grooves suggest this was a well-used, valued tool in its maker's kit. It is also probable that the stone's earliest use was as a pusher within a grinding stone assembly, with the grooves developing through subsequent polishing work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Condition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Polishing stone with 3 grooves\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 Southern Algeria\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Quartzite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 182 × 64mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e No restorations — entirely original and unmodified\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0873258774\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSerious prehistoric artefact and lithic tool collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuseum acquisitions and educational displays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNorth African prehistory and Neolithic technology collections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScholars of early human material culture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"BugsDirect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43345373135037,"sku":"0873258774","price":303.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1228\/7064\/products\/il_fullxfull.4988397153_7wes.jpg?v=1703318796","url":"https:\/\/www.bugsdirect.com\/en-au\/products\/real-neolithic-early-stone-age-tool-quartzite-large-polishing-stone-with-3-grooves-182x64mm-4000-6000-bce-natural-history-specimen","provider":"BugsDirect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}