A Prehistoric Bone Tool Discovery
Bone tools made by humans were rare until about 500,000 years ago. Recent findings at the T69 Complex in Olduvai Gorge are changing that. From 2015 to 2022, researchers dug up seven trenches and uncovered over 10,000 stone tools alongside many animal remains including fish, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, elephants, and rhinoceroses.
Among all these fossils, 27 specimens stood out as bone tools. The researchers noted clear signs that these bones were intentionally shaped. They showed evidence of flaking and modifications that created an elongated form. Although gnawing by carnivores can also leave similar marks, less than 1% of the identified animal remains showed signs of such activity. This suggests that the tools were indeed made by hominins.
The early toolmakers focused on bones from large mammals, especially elephants and hippopotamuses. They seemed to have a good understanding of bone structure and preferred thick limb bones for their tools. This suggests they were using specific techniques to create their tools effectively. However, over time, these large bone tools were likely replaced by even larger stone tools as technology evolved.
Co-author Ignacio de la Torre from the CSIC-Spanish National Research Council explained that this discovery shows early humans expanded their technological skills. They moved beyond just making stone tools and learned to work with different materials, indicating advancements in their thinking and creativity. They adapted their knowledge of stone tool production to work with bones, showcasing their innovation.
For more details, you can check out the full study in Nature.
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