Red Deer Antler Hammer

Dnipro Forest-Steppe Left-bank Ukraine. 

The hammer was made by utilizing the natural shape of an antler tine. The working part is formed from a massive branch of the antler, while the central part has a hole or depression for mounting a wooden handle. The surface preserves the characteristic structure of antler tissue and traces of mechanical working.

Similar tools were widely used by Stone Age communities and in subsequent historical periods for various economic activities. Owing to the strength and resilience of antler, hammers were used for working stone, wood, and bone, as well as in mining activities and house construction. The use of organic raw materials reflects the rational exploitation of natural resources and the high degree of adaptation of ancient communities to their environment.

The manufacturing process involved selecting a suitable section of the antler, mechanically working it, smoothing the surface, and preparing a place for attaching the handle.

Provenance: The object was transferred to the museum in 1949 together with finds from the Hintsivska Upper Palaeolithic site, Hintsі Village, Lubny District. Excavated by V. M. Shcherbakivskyi.