Researchers have discovered the oldest known human-made bone tools, dated at 1.5 million years, at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. These tools, made from elephant and hippo bones, demonstrate advanced cognitive skills in early hominins as they adapted stone-working techniques to bone. The findings reshape our understanding of human evolution, highlighting the capacity for complex cognition in prehistoric societies.
Recent research has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery regarding early human intelligence, revealing the oldest known human-made bone tools, estimated to be 1.5 million years old. These ancient tools, found at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, were constructed from elephant and hippo leg bones, predating previous shaped bone tools by one million years.
The investigation, spearheaded by Ignacio de la Torre, a Paleolithic archaeologist affiliated with the Spanish National Research Council, identified the use of “knapping,” a technique traditionally linked to stone tool creation. This approach entails striking one stone against another to generate sharp edges. The findings suggest significant cognitive advancements in early hominins as they adapted their stone-working techniques to bone material.
Ignacio de la Torre remarked on the implications of this discovery: “The hominins who made these tools knew how to incorporate technical innovations by adapting their stone-working knowledge to bone. This finding reflects advances in their cognitive abilities and mental structures.” Analysis of 27 shaped bone fragments indicated that these tools were intentionally crafted by hominins, distinct from natural occurrences or scavenger activities. The chosen materials included elephant, hippo, and cow-like species bones, valued for their size and resilience.
The dimensions of the tools varied, with elephant bone tools measuring between 8.6 to 15 inches and hippo tools ranging from 7 to 11.8 inches. These tools likely facilitated substantial tasks linked to animal carcass processing. While the specific hominin species responsible remains uncertain, both Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei inhabited the area 1.5 million years ago. This evidence alters our comprehension of human evolution, illustrating that early hominins engaged with bone tool-making well ahead of larger stone implements like hand axes.
Co-author Renata Peters, an archaeologist at University College London, expressed enthusiasm about this early discovery, stating, “It shows that human ancestors were capable of transferring skills from stone to bone, a level of complex cognition that we haven’t seen elsewhere for another million years.”
In conclusion, the discovery of 1.5-million-year-old bone tools at Olduvai Gorge significantly enhances our understanding of early human cognitive abilities and adaptation. This research showcases the ability of early hominins to evolve their tool-making techniques, marking a pivotal moment in human evolution. The insights gained from these findings provide a clearer picture of the cognitive capabilities of our ancestors and their innovative techniques in using available resources effectively.
Original Source: caliber.az
