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Neolithic Chinese Jade Axe/Flat Chisel

(2500 - 2000 BC)

 

This neolithic axe blade or chisel was found in Northern China along with many other artifacts of neolithic origin. The axe is rather large measuring roughly 13 by 11 cm. and only about 5 mm. in thickness. The thickness of the blade is tapered from side to side and the bottom edge is finished to a sharp cutting edge. The most unusual aspect of this blade is perhaps the two holes. The Smithsonian (see below) has one example of a neolithic chisel with a second, unfinished hole. The stone is slightly calcified and the left edge still retains the tool's original finish.


axe


axe 


Details

 
The end of the axe is finished into a sharp flat blade suggesting it may have been used as a tool. In the image below, the blade part is on the far side of the axe, which protrudes beyond the front curved surface.


axe

 

 

References


Some similar examples from the Smithsonian Freer Gallery of Art and Arther M. Sacker Gallery