Ave!

Paleo-Indian (Early Man) Hand Knife Tool, c. 8000 BC

White Stone; 67mm/58gm, bi-faced.

Such hand-held tools were used for skinning, chopping and dismembering large animal carcasses such as American Bison, Elk, Antelope and Deer. After the butchering, this stone utility tool may have been used to scrape the hides for further curing. Once all that was done, the tools were dis-guarded as they were too heavy to carry.

This stout hand tool is a perfect example of how such tools were cut/flaked from native stone. As seen in the photo, this tool was perfectly knapped to be used held in hand. As seen in the photo, the knapper flaked a large dimple into the tool to hold his thumb finger. As noted on the other side, is another flaked dimple for his index finger. Sweet!

Seller's Note/ One of the things my mother taught me was that ancient peoples were not stupid, and every stone tool they created not only had a purpose, but was perfectly designed for their use. This is a truly remarkable example and, when you hold it in your hand, you'll be amazed as to its perfection.

Found in Western Colorado from the Vada Sandes Collection.