Leakey's tools - where it all began for him.
Leakey's fascination with stone tools stemmed from when he was sent a book at age 12 as a Christmas present.
Fascinated by the descriptions of flint stone tools he set about looking for his own. In the book flint was described as being dark, glassy and sharp.
Below is a typical flint handaxe.
As luck would have it Kenya has little of the flint type rocks but borders the Great Rift valley. There is plenty of volcanic activity there and volcanoes produce obsidian.
Obsidian provides a fine material for tool manufacture since it delivers a finer edge than broken glass.
Above is the type of fine stone tools that can be made with obsidian. This type is typically from the Americas. Africa's tools being very much older differ substantially in style and many of the most common ones are far less recognizable.
He soon found many sharp black flakes in the nearby surrounds but many were skeptical until he met up with Arthur Lovebridge of the Nairobi Museum.
Lovebridge confirmed that some of his collection were indeed tools and that they were not made from flint but of obsidian. From then on Leakey was hooked.
Handaxes are more common in Africa and some very fine specimens can be found made from obsidian and are plentiful where they occur.
I am from Africa. There are stones here falling from the sky that are expensive and rude
I hope you could take some picture of those stone falling from the sky. That would be great.
Kalau di indonesia batu akik
Nice post with beautiful stones @gavvet. Here's one upvote for you.
Africa blessed with lot of resources. Proud to be an Africa . I think that is something used in a movie "Game of throne" to kill dead walking creature.
I don't think that's a dragon glass. Dragon glass has a different colour.
Dragonglass!!!!!! Yes!
PS. Obsidian is dragonglass....
Am an African and I strongly believe there's a lot of amazing things yet to be discovered here . We are indeed blessed with great things and people. It's a worthy post bro, Thanks for sharing.
Science has invention many critical subject.....
Ancient tools are amazing and sharp enough.
i think such kind of tools they use for hunting and they make it with patience and lots of hardworking.
thanks sir for sharing such a informative post with us.
keep all your good and kind works up.
have a great and a bless day ahead.
I like the post .they are very good captured stone photos. Thanks you sharing the post.
Thanks for sharing this with us
How to chisel ancient stone kala.
Already had one in hand, they are so freaking sharp, never thought they would be almost like a razor blade! Great post!
