Bout-coupé is a term used by archaeologists to describe a type of handaxe that constituted part of the Mousterian industry of the Middle Palaeolithic.
The handaxes are bifacially-worked and in the shape of a rounded triangle. They are traditionally diagnostic of Neanderthal tool working.
In Britain, examples are found in second terrace river gravels from the Ipswichian interglacial also in deposits dating to the following Devensian glaciation. Their appearance may represent a second wave of Neanderthal colonisation of Britain around 50,000 years ago.
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Picture of a Bout-coupé handaxe
Last updated: 07-10-2005 02:09:04