East African 'Cordiform/Cleaver' Tradition / a)flkmsk21

Leakey and Roe (1994: pl. 21): "Two large quartzite handaxes from FLK Masek Beds." Each is 28.5 cm or 11 inches.

Comment: An elongated ovate shape (Average Location of Max. Width = .41). The ovate is a characteristic Acheulian tool of the Later Acheulian period. These two handaxes are illustrated in the previous slide of five similar shape and size handaxes from FLK Masek Beds. The Masek Beds are dated between 400,000 and 600,000 BP.

Comment: Is an 11 inch long handaxe a handy length for meatcutting?

Photo © Leakey, M. D. and Roe, D.A. (1994). Olduvai Gorge. Vol. 5. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Plate 21. (Photo: John Reader).