A rock core or large flake that has been systematically worked by percussion flaking to an elongated oval biface shape with one pointed end and sharp edges on the sides. In profile, hand axes usually have a teardrop or leaf shape. Hand axes are diagnostic tools of the Acheulian tool tradition of Homo erectus after about 1. 5 million years ago. They continued to be made and used by early archaic humans. Very likely, they were multipurpose implements used for light chopping of wood, digging up roots and bulbs, butchering animals, and cracking bones.