gems, archaeology, anthropology, Early man, origin of language, linguistics, jade

A true symbol of the Neolithic, the polished stone axe appears during this final episode of prehistory on every continent and in almost every culture. Its use continued, sometimes very late, within communities in the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. Well known as a tool for clearing forests and working wood, it is less recognized as a ritual object, though this role held major importance and an almost universal character. Through numerous richly illustrated examples, this work shows how stone blades, born of the incredible creativity of the peoples who came before us, were made, used, and interpreted. From the first farmers, ten thousand years ago, to the Papuan tribes who were still polishing axes at the end of the 20th century, from the rulers of ancient China to the Maya priests, this book reveals the many technical and ritual functions they fulfilled and the extraordinary myths that accompanied them.