Years ago, Shoreham Beach had a surprising artifact hidden away, waiting to be uncovered. That’s exactly what Ben Witten, a six-year-old boy at the time, did. He was doing what any boy does, playing in the sand, when he noticed something peculiar.
At The Beach
Ben noticed a sharpened piece of stone in the sand on the beach. It didn’t look like it was carved through erosion but rather intentionally. Noticing that it was something special, Ben decided to keep the artifact in his bedroom for three years until finally finding out what it was.
A Visit To The Museum
At age nine, Ben visited a Stone Age exhibition at Worthing Museum. While observing the artifacts on display, he noticed his stone resembled one of the hand axes on display. This recognition prompted Ben to want to bring his stone to the museum for further examination, igniting excitement about what he might have discovered. But first, they emailed the museum.
Expert Examination
Ben’s mother emailed James Sainsbury, curator of archaeology at Worthing Museum, regarding the stone. But he was initially skeptical. He often receives inquiries about beach finds that turn out to be ordinary stones. However, upon seeing a photo of Ben’s stone, Sainsbury immediately recognized it as a rare Neanderthal hand ax—a significant artifact from prehistoric times.
Characteristics of the Hand Ax
The Neanderthal hand ax is made of flint and is bifacial, meaning it is shaped on both sides. The ax was typically used by Neanderthals for cutting and butchering animals or chopping wood. With the way the tool has been crafted, it showcases how early humans adapted tools for survival in their environment.
Age and Historical Context
Experts estimate that the hand ax dates back between 40,000 and 60,000 years ago – during the Late Middle Paleolithic era. This was a time when Neanderthals were among the last human species in Europe. Such tools are rare finds in Sussex, making this discovery particularly special and valuable for understanding human history.
The Significance of the Find
The discovery highlights the importance of public involvement in archaeology. It serves as a reminder that anyone can uncover pieces of history through curiosity and exploration. James Sainsbury emphasized that discoveries like Ben’s can provide valuable insights into our past and encourage more people to engage with archaeology.
Display at Worthing Museum
After confirming its authenticity, the museum decided to display the hand ax as part of its collection. Ben expressed excitement about his find being showcased publicly and felt it was better suited for the museum than kept in his bedroom. The artifact has since attracted numerous visitors eager to learn about this extraordinary piece of history. The ax has merely been borrowed.
How Did It End Up on the Beach?
The exact circumstances of how the hand ax ended up on Shoreham Beach remain uncertain. It could have been lost by a Neanderthal long ago or dredged up during modern construction efforts aimed at protecting the beach from erosion. James Sainsbury noted that determining its origins adds intrigue to its story.
Public Reaction and Interest
The story of Ben’s discovery has captured public interest and sparked conversations about archaeology among local communities. Many people are inspired by Ben’s adventure and are encouraged to explore their surroundings more closely. This incident serves as a bridge between modern society and ancient history.
Future of the Artifact
The hand ax will remain on display at Worthing Museum until early 2025 before being returned to Ben and his family. This arrangement allows others to appreciate its historical significance while also recognizing Ben’s role in bringing it to light. The artifact will serve as a lasting connection between past and present.
Lessons Learned
Ben’s experience teaches valuable lessons about curiosity and discovery. It illustrates how everyday moments can lead to extraordinary findings. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of sharing discoveries with experts who can help preserve historical artifacts for future generations.
An Incredible Story
Ben Witten’s remarkable find on Shoreham Beach has turned into an incredible story of archaeology and discovery. His journey from finding a shiny rock to uncovering a Neanderthal hand ax showcases how history can be found in unexpected places. This event highlights not only the significance of archaeological finds but also encourages everyone to look closely at their surroundings for hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Sources:
Boy finds rare Neanderthal axe on Sussex beach
A Little Boy Found a Strange Stone on the Beach. Archaeologists Told Him It Was a Neanderthal’s Hand Ax
