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.