Pre-Columbian Andean Artifact | Notched Stone Axe for Daily Use | Circa 500 – 1500 CE

Provenance & Ownership History
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Acquired during the 1950s and formerly part of the private collection of David Sheridan, Branchburg, New Jersey, USA, a longtime collector whose holdings included antiquities, Pre-Columbian art, and ethnographic material. Subsequently held in the estate of Todd Solomon, whose collection included Asian art and antiques. Later handled by Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, New York, USA, before entering a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

$325.00
$325.00
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This is a one-of-a-kind historical object. Once sold, this exact piece will not be restocked.
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Small Pre-Columbian Andean ground-stone notched axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE. Utilitarian tool with steep beveled edge, rounded cutting surface, and side notches for hafting. Evidence of repeated sharpening and use-wear reflects practical daily use in woodworking and agriculture. Original archaeological tag included.
360-degree rotating view of a Pre-Columbian Andean notched stone axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE, showing its hafting notches, beveled edge, and aged surface.
Pre-Columbian Andean notched stone axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE, with ground surface and archaeological number.
Ancient Pre-Columbian ground stone axe from the Andean region showing side notches for hafting and a worn beveled cutting edge.
Side view of a Pre-Columbian Ecuadorian or Peruvian stone axe with distinctive hafting notch and thick ground-stone profile.
Angled view of an ancient Andean notched axe showing its rounded cutting edge, surface patina, and evidence of repeated sharpening.
Reverse view of a Pre-Columbian ground stone tool from Ecuador or Peru with fully worked surfaces and archaeological collection markings.
Small ancient Andean stone axe circa 500–1500 CE with notched sides, use-worn cutting edge, and original archaeological tag.
  • Small Pre-Columbian Andean ground-stone notched axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE. Utilitarian tool with steep beveled edge, rounded cutting surface, and side notches for hafting. Evidence of repeated sharpening and use-wear reflects practical daily use in woodworking and agriculture. Original archaeological tag included.
  • 360-degree rotating view of a Pre-Columbian Andean notched stone axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE, showing its hafting notches, beveled edge, and aged surface.
  • Pre-Columbian Andean notched stone axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE, with ground surface and archaeological number.
  • Ancient Pre-Columbian ground stone axe from the Andean region showing side notches for hafting and a worn beveled cutting edge.
  • Side view of a Pre-Columbian Ecuadorian or Peruvian stone axe with distinctive hafting notch and thick ground-stone profile.
  • Angled view of an ancient Andean notched axe showing its rounded cutting edge, surface patina, and evidence of repeated sharpening.
  • Reverse view of a Pre-Columbian ground stone tool from Ecuador or Peru with fully worked surfaces and archaeological collection markings.
  • Small ancient Andean stone axe circa 500–1500 CE with notched sides, use-worn cutting edge, and original archaeological tag.
Small Pre-Columbian Andean ground-stone notched axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE. Utilitarian tool with steep beveled edge, rounded cutting surface, and side notches for hafting. Evidence of repeated sharpening and use-wear reflects practical daily use in woodworking and agriculture. Original archaeological tag included.
360-degree rotating view of a Pre-Columbian Andean notched stone axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE, showing its hafting notches, beveled edge, and aged surface.
Pre-Columbian Andean notched stone axe from Ecuador or Peru, circa 500–1500 CE, with ground surface and archaeological number.
Ancient Pre-Columbian ground stone axe from the Andean region showing side notches for hafting and a worn beveled cutting edge.
Side view of a Pre-Columbian Ecuadorian or Peruvian stone axe with distinctive hafting notch and thick ground-stone profile.
Angled view of an ancient Andean notched axe showing its rounded cutting edge, surface patina, and evidence of repeated sharpening.
Reverse view of a Pre-Columbian ground stone tool from Ecuador or Peru with fully worked surfaces and archaeological collection markings.
Small ancient Andean stone axe circa 500–1500 CE with notched sides, use-worn cutting edge, and original archaeological tag.
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Pre-Columbian Andean Artifact | Notched Stone Axe for Daily Use | Circa 500 – 1500 CE

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Ecuador or Peru, Andean region
Material: Ground stone
Period: Pre-Columbian, circa 500–1500 CE

Description

This small notched axe, measuring only 3 inches by 1.5 inches, is a utilitarian ground-stone tool from the ancient Andean world. Unlike ceremonial or prestige axes, this piece was designed for practical daily use. Its steep beveling and rounded cutting edge bear testimony to repeated sharpening and extended functional life. Distinctive side notches allowed the axe to be securely lashed to a wooden handle, ensuring both stability and efficiency in woodworking and agricultural tasks.

Features

- Fully ground surfaces, eliminating traces of rough shaping

- Steep beveled cutting edge with evidence of repeated sharpening

- Rounded edge showing extensive use-wear

- Side notches for secure hafting onto a handle

- Original archaeological tag and number, confirming provenance

Cultural Significance

In pre-Columbian Andean societies, stone axes were essential tools of daily life, used in woodworking, farming, and construction. While larger, ornate versions symbolized power and status, smaller examples like this represent the practical ingenuity of ancient laborers. Their craftsmanship demonstrates the advanced stone-working traditions of the Andes, reflecting a culture that valued both efficiency and durability in its tools.

Condition

This piece remains in very good condition for its age, with clear wear consistent with practical use. The original archaeological tag and number add scholarly and historical value, ensuring its authenticity.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 3 in
Width: 1.5 in

Age (Approximate)

525–1,525 years old

Provenance 

Acquired during the 1950s and formerly part of the private collection of David Sheridan, Branchburg, New Jersey, USA, a longtime collector whose holdings included antiquities, Pre-Columbian art, and ethnographic material. Subsequently held in the estate of Todd Solomon, whose collection included Asian art and antiques. Later handled by Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, New York, USA, before entering a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Study the development of Ancient Stone Axes and Hafted Tools

Browse our Collection of Ancient Axes and Tools

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Ecuador or Peru, Andean region
Material: Ground stone
Period: Pre-Columbian, circa 500–1500 CE

Description

This small notched axe, measuring only 3 inches by 1.5 inches, is a utilitarian ground-stone tool from the ancient Andean world. Unlike ceremonial or prestige axes, this piece was designed for practical daily use. Its steep beveling and rounded cutting edge bear testimony to repeated sharpening and extended functional life. Distinctive side notches allowed the axe to be securely lashed to a wooden handle, ensuring both stability and efficiency in woodworking and agricultural tasks.

Features

- Fully ground surfaces, eliminating traces of rough shaping

- Steep beveled cutting edge with evidence of repeated sharpening

- Rounded edge showing extensive use-wear

- Side notches for secure hafting onto a handle

- Original archaeological tag and number, confirming provenance

Cultural Significance

In pre-Columbian Andean societies, stone axes were essential tools of daily life, used in woodworking, farming, and construction. While larger, ornate versions symbolized power and status, smaller examples like this represent the practical ingenuity of ancient laborers. Their craftsmanship demonstrates the advanced stone-working traditions of the Andes, reflecting a culture that valued both efficiency and durability in its tools.

Condition

This piece remains in very good condition for its age, with clear wear consistent with practical use. The original archaeological tag and number add scholarly and historical value, ensuring its authenticity.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Height: 3 in
Width: 1.5 in

Age (Approximate)

525–1,525 years old

Provenance 

Acquired during the 1950s and formerly part of the private collection of David Sheridan, Branchburg, New Jersey, USA, a longtime collector whose holdings included antiquities, Pre-Columbian art, and ethnographic material. Subsequently held in the estate of Todd Solomon, whose collection included Asian art and antiques. Later handled by Palmyra Heritage Gallery, New York, New York, USA, before entering a private collection in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Learn More

Study the development of Ancient Stone Axes and Hafted Tools

Browse our Collection of Ancient Axes and Tools

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