Ax

Hermann Junker discovered Merimde in 1928 and began excavating in earnest in 1929. He primarily worked in the latest phase of Neolithic activity at the site (strata III-V) (Eiwanger 1999:607). Therefore, this tool likely comes from the latest phase of activity or the surface of the site, when a relatively large farming village was well established.

A small area of gravel cortex along with fine-subcortical flint layers present on parts of both faces, show that the tool was made on a gravel nodule. The presence of the cortex on the narrow end indicates that the wider end opposite must be the working edge. The wide working edge is irregular with some deep stepped removals and a large longitudinal central scar on each face that runs over half the length of the piece. Invasive bifacial removals from both lateral margins shaped the piece and removed most of the cortex. There are a few small patches of polish probably from use, on both faces and each lateral margin.



Elizabeth Hart, J. Clawson Mills Research Fellow, 2018



Reference

Eiwanger, Josef 1999. "Merimde Beni-Salame." In Encyclopedia of the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt, edited by Kathryn A. Bard. London; New York: Routledge, pp. 603–8.

Excavated by Hermann Junker for the Vienna Academy of Sciences, 1929-1930. Received by the excavators in the division of finds and distributed to donors, including Albert Rothbart, 1932-33. Donated to the Museum by Rothbart, 1933.