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established 1942 |
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| ENGLISH NEOLITHIC JADEITE OR SYENITE HAND AXE Yellow in color with dark brown and green inclusions, the surface smoothly polished, of compressed ovoid form, tapering to a point at one end, convex on both sides, a sharp edge around the broad curved cutting surface. Said to be from Canterbury, England. Published: L. Weidner, “Ancient Utilitarian Art” in Prehistoric Antiquities and Archaeological News Quarterly, vol. XI, no. 3, Summer 1991, p. 2 (cover illustration). For a similar example from Cornwall cf. no. 3.24, pp. 58-59 in Clarke, Cowie and Foxon, Symbols of Power: At the Time of Stonehenge. Deaccessioned from a Michigan institution; Len and Janie Weidner, Westerville, Ohio; acquired by the previous owner, Boston, 1991. Ca. 3000-1500 BC L. 9 in. (22.9 cm.) LC1203C Reserved Sales |
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| Highly-polished jadeite and other hardstone axes such as the present example were not utilitarian items to be used in everyday tasks, as is evinced through the use of rare materials and superior craftsmanship. Rather, these objects are more likely symbolic or ceremonial versions of mundane tools and weapons, meant to distinguish the owners as powerful and of social prominence. | ||
