Genuine Neolithic Flint Tranchet Axes | Set of 3 | Western Sahara | c.4000–6000 BCE

Authentic Stone Age Tools, 6,000–8,000 Years Old

This exceptional set of three genuine tranchet axes dates to the early Neolithic period — a pivotal chapter in human prehistory when communities across North Africa were transitioning from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agriculture. Each axe was hand-knapped from local flint by Neolithic craftspeople in the region of Dakhla-Boujdour, Western Sahara, and has since acquired the distinctive glossy desert patina that forms only through millennia of exposure to arid, windswept conditions.

The Tranchet Technique

Tranchet axes are defined by their characteristic transverse cutting edge, produced by a single precise lateral flake removal — a sophisticated knapping technique that created a sharp, chisel-like blade ideal for woodworking, hide preparation, and general cutting tasks. The skill required to produce a clean tranchet edge is considerable, and these examples demonstrate the accomplished craftsmanship of their makers.

Provenance & Condition

• Type: Tranchet axes (set of 3)
• Period: Early Neolithic, c.4000–6000 BCE
• Origin: Dakhla-Boujdour region, Western Sahara
• Material: Local flint with natural desert patina
• Dimensions: Approx. 85 × 61mm
• Condition: Fine — all three artifacts intact and well-preserved
• SKU: 0879678586

Perfect For

• Serious archaeological and prehistoric artefact collectors
• Museum acquisitions and educational displays
• Natural history and human prehistory collections
• Scholars and enthusiasts of North African prehistory