Polished Stone Axe, Montemor-o-Novo

sketchfab

Provenance and Description: The Anta Grande da Comenda da Igreja stands as a monumental testament to ancient craftsmanship, situated north of Montemor-o-Novo and hailing from the pivotal moment when the 4th millennium BC gave way to the 3rd. This imposing neolithic funerary structure boasts a polygonal chamber constructed with towering stones reaching heights of approximately 6 meters, while its winding corridor stretches an impressive 11 meters in length. Archaeological excavations at the turn of the 19th century and again in the 1980s unearthed a treasure trove of votive objects, yielding this exquisite polished stone axe as part of a remarkable collection. Manufactured from a single amphibolite block carefully shaped into a conical form, the axe showcases striking partial polishing on its bead and a razor-sharp edge polished to perfection. This rare artifact now resides within the esteemed museological reserves of the National Museum of Archeology, where it remains on display at the Museum of the Convent of S. Domingos in Montemor-o-Novo. Inventory Number: CSD 0530