Boucher de Perthes wrong hafted handaxes
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Boucher de Perthes wrong hafted handaxes
1860, attribution on the plate. Palaeolithic and mesolithic tools imagined hafted in wooden shafts. In the case of the paleolithic tools this is almost certainly incorrect. Boucher De Perthes was a pioneer in Antediluvian (palaeolithic) studies, claiming coexistence of men with mammoths in a long period of human antiquity (" Antiquites Celtiques et Antidiluviennes" 1849). Some of De Perthes extravagant conjectures may have deterred acceptance by the wider scientific community. His poor drawings of human tools (as here) always left doubt that they might be natural rather than man made. It was not until the visit of Falconer, Evans and Prestwich to De Perthes Abbeville sites in 1858/1859 that general acceptance for human antiquity began. Later, these same authors saved science from a fake human fossil (the Moulin Quignon jaw 1863) which Boucher de Perthes had uncritically accepted
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319195
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Antiquity Of Man Biface Black And White Boucher De Perthes Falconer Figuier Hand Axe Holocene John Evans Lyell Palaeolithic Paleolithic Pleistocene Pre Historic Pre History Prestwich Stone Tool Boitard Mono Chrome
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Boucher de Perthes' wrong hafted handaxes, dating back to 1860. These Palaeolithic and Mesolithic tools were imagined to be hafted in wooden shafts, but recent research suggests that this assumption is most likely incorrect. Boucher De Perthes was a trailblazer in the field of Antediluvian (Palaeolithic) studies, proposing the coexistence of humans with mammoths during an extensive period of human antiquity. However, some of De Perthes' extravagant conjectures may have hindered his acceptance within the wider scientific community. His subpar drawings of human tools often left doubt as to whether they were man-made or natural formations. It wasn't until Falconer, Evans, and Prestwich visited De Perthes' Abbeville sites in 1858/1859 that the concept of human antiquity gained widespread recognition. Interestingly, these same authors played a crucial role in debunking a fake human fossil known as the Moulin Quignon jaw in 1863—a fossil that Boucher de Perthes had uncritically accepted. This incident further highlighted the importance of critical examination and rigorous scientific scrutiny. The monochrome black and white illustration captures not only the essence of prehistoric artistry but also serves as a reminder of our ever-evolving understanding of our ancient past. With references to notable figures such as Lyell, Figuier, Falconer, Boitard, Prestwich, John Evans, Pengelly among others; this artwork delves into topics like Pleistocene era stone tools and their significance in unraveling the mysteries surrounding early humanity's existence on Earth.
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