Biface, commonly referred to as a hand ax ca. 400,000-240,000 B.C. Lower Paleolithic Period Often referred to as handaxes, bifaces were made by the Hominin predecessors of humans during the Lower Paleolithic period. Although bifaces are found in many shapes and sizes, the basic tool type was used for a very long time span and can be found all over Africa, Asia and Europe. Rather than a tool made for a specific task, bifaces were a kind of multi-tool that could be used in a variety of ways such as chopping, cutting, and scraping. Additionally the large tools could serve as a portable source for flakes if smaller tools or sharper edges were needed. This example, however, is rather small and flat, and can be classified as a sub-cordiform biface. The presence of a retouched notch on the distal tip underlines the potential for these tools to be re-worked as needed.. Biface, commonly referred to as a hand ax. ca. 400,000-240,000 B.C.. Flint. Lower Paleolithic Period. From Egypt, Upper Egypt,