Tossing and turning This small flint hand-axe was found in
Paragon Road, Forest Gate, near Upton Park in Newham. It can be
dated to about 300,000 bc. It was made and used by one of our
earliest human ancestors. Hand-axes come in many shapes and
sizes. They were probably used to butcher animals. Modern
experiments have shown how efficient they can be in skilled
hands. Worn down over time This hand-axe is very worn. It must
have tumbled about in an ancient riverbed for many thousands of
years. Museum number A20804