Huge Egyptian Pre-Dynastic Naqada III Flint Knife

Ancient Egypt, Pre-Dynastic Period, Naqada III, ca. 3200 to 3000 BCE. An exquisite example of a lengthy knife blade meant as a hand tool or to be used as a short scythe on the end of a wooden rod. The bifacial tool was shaped via the percussion flaking method which is made evident by the rough serrations along the curved blade edge, and a finer, softer style of knapping was used to create a smoother, more uniform blade edge along the straight side. Both faces exhibit naturally smooth surfaces, and the mottled hues of caramel, grey, tan, wheat, citrine, and coffee create for a sublime presentation. Size: 9.8" L x 2.4" W (24.9 cm x 6.1 cm); 3.9" H (9.9 cm) on included custom stand.

A strikingly similar example, of a smaller size, hammered for GBP 25,000 ($32,775.88) at Christie's, London "Antiquities" auction (sale 10372, April 15, 2015, lot 1).

Another stylistically similar example, of a slightly larger size, hammered for $80,500 at Christie's, New York "Antiquities" auction (sale 2565, June 8, 2012, lot 1).

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, acquired in the 2000s; ex-private European collection, acquired in the 1970s

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#152861 Dimensions: Condition Report: Minor nicks and abrasions along edges and both faces commensurate with age and the knapping process, with scattered areas of light encrustations, otherwise intact and choice. Smooth patina and light earthen deposits throughout.