Item TB21
This item is a lot of 15 arrowhead points that were made
by the Neolithic (8,000 BC -> 2,500 BC) inhabitants of
what is now the Southern Sahara (Niger, Chad, Mali, Algeria)
desert region. These points were made in the earlier part of
this period and the workmanship is not as refined as the
more common notched, barbed and leaf points from the later
Neolithic period. Several different types and materials are
represented in this lot. Most are made of flint and many are
early examples of the leaf style points that were more
common in the later part of the Neolithic period. One point
has ridged edges to aid in the attachment of the point to
the shaft of an arrow. The nomadic aboriginal peoples that
currently inhabit this desert region make a good living
collecting lithic artifacts and meteorites. They are the
source of most Sub-Saharan artifacts that are currently
being found and marketed today. The Sahara wasn't always a desert. The most recent wet
phase is often called the "Saharan Aqualithic Period". The
Sahara was like a parkland with Mediterranean vegetation.
During this period, the Sahara had huge lakes, thousands of
smaller lakes, rivers and streams. The Neolithic people of
the Sahara were originally hunter-gatherers. Eventually,
some began to domesticate animals such as sheep, goats, pigs
and cattle. However, they remained avid hunters as well.
Later, farming began in some regions, as evidenced by
hundreds of grindstones, stone farming tools, and the
remains of grain. Yet, along with these tools, arrowheads
are still found. Their love of hunting never abated. When
these points were made, the inhabitants would have used
these tools and many like them to hunt the small game, birds
and fish which abounded.
Pricing Information for this item can be found on the
African Artifacts link. Instructions for
ordering can be found on the How to
Order web page.