Stone Age Tool, Mesolithic Denmark

 These prehistoric Stone Age tools were handmade by early nomadic settlers in Denmark over 7,000 years ago. They were crafted using a technique known as flintknapping, the process of shaping stone into tools or weapons by striking it with another hard object. This process creates a unique finish as each strike would remove a small flake of stone, leading to a scalloped and intricately patterned surface.

Though pointed stone tools are often called arrowheads by default, the exact purpose of each tool cannot be known for sure. Arrowheads, spear points, scraping tools, and even stone knives are all possible.

The Danish Mesolithic era, part of the broader Nordic Stone Age, was a period of significant climatic and cultural shifts. As the ice receded around 12,000 BCE, the region began to see sporadic visits from nomadic hunters from central Europe, eventually leading to permanent habitation. The warming climate led to the emergence of the Maglemosian culture in the 7th millennium BCE, which inhabited areas of Denmark and southern Sweden. These people, along with the Fosna-Hensbacka culture in Norway and western Sweden, adapted to the changing environment by utilizing fire, boats, and stone tools. They followed the herds and the salmon runs, moving south during the winters and north during the summers. By the 6th millennium BCE, the climate was warmer and more humid than today, and large animals like aurochs, wisent, moose, and red deer roamed the lush temperate broadleaf and mixed forests.

Each includes a Certificate of Authenticity. You can also view the certificate issued by Denmark's cultural export commission below.

A scan of the export certificate for these items, with a signature of approval by Kulturværdiudvalget (the Danish Commission on the Export of Cultural Assets).