LOT 1635

Published East Danish 'Limited Culture 4' Ertebolle Groundstone Limhamn Axe

SOUTH SCANDINAVIAN MESOLITHIC PERIOD, CIRCA 6300-5900 B.P.

4 1/2 in. (406 grams, 11.5 cm).

Finely produced from local diabase/amphibolite and characteristic of the restricted Limhamn-Nivå tradition of North Sjælland and Scania; unusually well-polished for the type, with intact form and clear Mesolithic workmanship, possibly ceremonial.

Found Aatoften Settlement, Nive Mill South, Nivaa, Denmark, 1970.
From the private collection of amateur archaeologist Jorgen Faxholm, UK.

Accompanied by copies of the relevant book pages where this axe is published.

Faxholm, Jorgen, Stoneage Settlements in the Nivaa Valley, and Limhamn Axes - and other Axes, Copenhagen, 2020.

This type represents a distinctive South Scandinavian Mesolithic tradition. Limhamn axes illustrate the indigenous technological development from the earlier Nøstvet and Lihult tools. While Limhamn axes are typically heavily scarred from knapping and crushing, this specimen appears
unused and shows unusually fine grinding and surface finish, suggesting a piece of elevated status, adding limited practical use. The type is found exclusively in North Sjælland (Denmark) and Scania (Sweden), indicating a localised craft tradition with minimal external influence. A rare and representative example of Scandinavian Mesolithic stone craftsmanship, unbroken from Maglemose to Ertebølle.