A cast of a Neanderthal stone tool, molded from the authentic original, which was made in French flint.* This classic tool shows a distinct Neanderthal culture (Mousterian) technique called the Levallois method. It actually demonstrates more thought and planning than many later stone tool techniques, and is a good example of how Neanderthals are now seen to be more sophisticated that previously thought.   They had brains as large or larger than modern humans, and were capable of symbolic art such as hand stencil painting and wearing jewelry such as pierced bone and ivory carvings.  
 
The Neanderthal line of humans developed in Europe and Asia over 400,000 years ago, and most sites are from a classic period of around 130,000 to an abrupt end around 40,000 years ago. The archaeological evidence shows Neanderthals employed brutal close range hunting techniques. This type of core was prepared to create a final flake tool which would be then used for spear points and cutting knives to support that lifestyle. (Cast copyright OccPaleo 2018)
 
*This piece was excavated in Le Frond des Blanchards (Paris Basin), France. Deaccessioned in 1960 from the Kobenhavns (Copenhagen) Museum, National Museum of Denmark. Ex. Collection of H. Pageault, Vienna.  Ex. Dr. Hermann Meyer, Prehistoric Archives, Germany.