Researchers have found the oldest known human-made bone tools in Tanzania, dating back 1.5 million years. The tools, made from elephant and hippo leg bones, show advanced cognitive abilities among early hominins who adapted stone-working techniques to bone. This discovery reshapes our understanding of human evolution and the development of complex cognition.
Recent research has revealed the oldest known human-made bone tools, dating back 1.5 million years, significantly altering our understanding of early human intelligence. Discovered in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, these tools, made from elephant and hippo leg bones, predate previously known shaped bone tools by one million years. This groundbreaking study highlights advancements in cognitive abilities among early hominins, emphasizing their ability to adapt techniques from stone to bone tool production.
Led by Ignacio de la Torre, a Paleolithic archaeologist at the Spanish National Research Council, the research demonstrated that early humans engaged in “knapping,” a method used previously for stone tools. This technique involves striking one stone with another to create sharp, functional edges. De la Torre remarked that this development signifies a remarkable cognitive leap, showcasing innovations in technical skills by early hominins.
The analysis focused on 27 bone fragments, confirming they were intentionally shaped by hominins, rather than altered through natural processes. The selected bones, from elephant, hippo, and a cow-like species, were durable and suited for tool making. The sizes of these tools ranged from 8.6 to 15 inches for elephant bones and 7 to 11.8 inches for hippo bones, suggesting their use for processing animal carcasses and other heavy-duty tasks.
While the specific hominin species responsible for these tools remains uncertain, both Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei inhabited the region around 1.5 million years ago. This discovery provides valuable insights into human evolution, indicating that the experimentation with bone tools predates the creation of larger stone implements like hand axes by a significant margin.
Co-author Renata Peters, an archaeologist at University College London, expressed excitement about the find, emphasizing its importance in demonstrating the ability of human ancestors to transfer knowledge between materials. She noted that this complex cognitive function is unprecedented for such an early period in human history.
The discovery of the oldest known human-made bone tools at Olduvai Gorge has profound implications for our understanding of human evolution. These tools, crafted by early hominins, underscore a significant cognitive leap and the ability to adapt stone-working techniques to other materials. The findings challenge previous perceptions of early human capabilities, indicating that complex cognitive skills were evident far earlier than previously believed.
Original Source: caliber.az
