An Oldowan Stone Pebble Tool from Olduvai Gorge

Kenya, Lower Paleolithic, Circa 2,000,000-450,000 Years Ago

Width 2 1/4 inches (5.72 cm).

Property from O'Gara and Wilson, Ltd., Chesterton, Indiana

Provenance:

Excavated at Olduvai Gorge by Paleoanthropoligist Louis Leakey (1903-1972).

Leighton A. Wilkie (1900-1974), Des Plaines, Illinois.

Wilkie Brothers Foundation, Illinois, 29 January 1974-2007; where acquired by the present owner.

[Inscribed in black ink the site number: "HWK77"]

Published:

L. Leakey, Olduvai Gorge (1951-61): A Preliminary Report on the Geology and Fauna, Cambridge, 1965, p. 103.

This stone pebble tool, originating from the iconic Olduvai Gorge, holds a distinguished provenance as it was excavated by the eminent Paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey (1903-1972). Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the field, Leakey's name is synonymous with key discoveries in human evolution. This artifact, a testament to Leakey's meticulous work, offers a tangible connection to the early stages of toolmaking and human development. The tool, crafted from local materials with a primitive yet effective design, not only represents a significant archaeological find but also serves as a tangible link to the pioneering work of Louis Leakey, whose legacy continues to shape our understanding of human prehistory.

Inspected under UV light and 10x loupe. Weathering and pitting to surface as expected with age. Slightly pinkish patina to more weathered areas. Overall in fine and stable condition. Accompanied with book from the library of Leighton Wilkie pertaining to Olduvai Gorge and related material. See additional images and scans. Height with stand 3 1/4 inches (8.26 cm).

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Jacob Coley

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Antiquities and Ancient Art

[email protected]312 280 1212

Mr. Coley joined the Antiquities department in 2021 after working as Managing Director in the Ancient Art department at Colnaghi, the world’s oldest commercial art gallery, where he helped to establish the Ancient Art department and launched Colnaghi New York in 2017. Prior to Colnaghi, Mr. Coley was in the Greek and Roman Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Coley holds a B.A. from the University of Miami and an M.A. in Art Market from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and he earned an art-appraisal certificate from New York University.

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An Oldowan Stone Pebble Tool from Olduvai Gorge

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