For over a century since its discovery in south Norfolk, the West Tofts handaxe has fired the imagination and sparked debate. A Palaeolithic flint biface dating to either MIS 11 (424-374 thousand years ago) or MIS9 (337-300 thousand years ago), its striking feature is the central presence of a fossilised mollusc (Spondylus spinosus), shell embedded in the cortex of the flint nodule.<\/p>
Whether it represents one of the earliest examples of artistic expression in material culture, or\u2014as a recent paper has argued\u2014is merely a \u2018remarkably average, structurally flawed, utilitarian\u2019* artefact, it is one of the most recognisable archaeological artefacts in the world.<\/p>
Held at the University of Cambridge\u2019s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Accession No. 1916.82<\/p>
Digital illustration by Rob Hedge<\/p>
*Flanders and Key 2023; https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jas.2023.105888<\/p>","brand":null,"metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"For over a century since its discovery in south Norfolk, the West Tofts handaxe has fired the imagination and sparked debate. A Palaeolithic flint bif...","metaImage":null,"noIndex":false,"giftWrapCompatible":true,"approvalStatus":"approved","ecoIcons":["organic-icon.png","low-carbon-icon.png","ethical-icon.png"],"isBundle":false,"type":"Printed Sweater","specifications":"Certified Organic Cotton Relaxed Fit Sweatshirt, 300g\/m2. Wash cool, hang dry. GM free. Not tested on animals. Does not contain animal-derived products. Printed in the UK with low waste printing tech. 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