Biface, commonly referred to as a hand ax
Often referred to as handaxes, bifaces were made by the Hominin predecessors of humans during the Lower Paleolithic period. Although bifaces are found in many shapes and sizes, the basic tool type was used for a very long time span and can be found all over Africa, Asia and Europe. Rather than a tool made for a specific task, bifaces were a kind of multi-tool that could be used in a variety of ways such as chopping, cutting, and scraping. Additionally the large tools could serve as a portable source for flakes if smaller tools or sharper edges were needed. This example, however, is rather small and flat, and can be classified as a sub-cordiform biface. The presence of a retouched notch on the distal tip underlines the potential for these tools to be re-worked as needed.
Artwork Details
- Title: Biface, commonly referred to as a hand ax
- Period: Lower Paleolithic Period
- Date: ca. 400,000–240,000 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri
- Medium: Flint
- Dimensions: L. 9.6 × W. 6.5 × Th. 1.9 cm, Wt. 122.7g (3 13/16 × 2 9/16 × 3/4 in., 4.328oz.)
- Credit Line: Gift of C. T. Currelly, 1906
- Object Number: 06.322.136
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 2030–1640 B.C.
ca. 2030–1640 B.C.
ca. 2100–1650 B.C.
ca. 1550–1458 B.C.
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.