Hand Ax

I am a hand ax from China, hewn of dark green nephrite jade in the Neolithic to Shang dynasty (2000-1500 B.C.).   As you can see, an attachment hole was cut through my top for a handle.  The lubricants of the pendulum used to abrade my form were crushed sapphires and crushed garnets.   These were imported from as far away as Burma and Ceylon and were used as trade materials.   I am considered an excellent example of a pendulum-cut, thin nephrite blade. Note, I bear the presence of some burial alteration indicating that my location prior to resting here at The Maridon Museum was perhaps  less pleasant than my current place in the museum’s Rear Gallery Time-Line Exhibit.

I am considered in excellent condition for my travels and age bearing only a small chip in my lower corner.  Please visit me and my many companions when here at the  museum.