Illustrative recreation reveals the stick would have been thrown. Image Courtesy: Benoit Clarys
A new study on a 300,000-year-old throwing stick showcases early humans’ sophisticated woodworking techniques, implying shared hunting traditions that involved the entire community. The artifact, exhibiting exceptional craftsmanship, indicates early humans’ extensive understanding of wood properties.
Recently conducted research has uncovered that early humans were remarkably skilled at woodworking.
This understanding emerged from an in-depth examination of a 300,000-year-old dual-pointed wooden throwing stick, found thirty years ago in Schöningen, Germany. The research suggests that the stick underwent meticulous processes of scraping, seasoning, and sanding before being utilized for hunting, signifying an elevated level of early human woodworking abilities than what was previously recognized.
Tools That Engaged Communities
These discoveries, published in the PLOS ONE journal on July 19, also hint that the fabrication of lightweight weapons such as this throwing stick may have facilitated communal hunts of small and medium-sized creatures. The use of throwing sticks as hunting implements could have been a group activity, possibly involving even children.
Dr. Annemieke Milks, from the Department of Archaeology at the University of Reading, directed the research. She stated: “Findings of wooden tools have dramatically reshaped our perception of early human behaviors. Remarkably, these early humans demonstrated the capability to plan ahead, a profound understanding of wood properties, and numerous sophisticated woodworking skills that are still relevant today.
“The manufacture of these lightweight throwing sticks might have been easier than creating heavier spears, suggesting the possibility for everyone in the community to participate. Tools of this nature could have been used by children during their learning phase of throwing and hunting.”
Co-author Dirk Leder commented: “The Schöningen humans crafted this aerodynamic and ergonomic tool using a spruce branch. The woodworking required several steps such as cutting, peeling off the bark, carving it into an aerodynamic form, further scraping the surface, seasoning the wood to prevent cracking and warping, and sanding it for smoother handling.”
High-Damage Weapon
Unearthed in 1994, the 77 cm (30 inch) long stick is among several diverse tools discovered in Schöningen, which include throwing spears, thrusting spears, and another similarly sized throwing stick.
The double-pointed throwing stick — scrutinized at an exceptionally high level of detail for this study — was likely employed by early humans to hunt medium-sized game such as red and roe deer, and possibly swift small prey including hare and birds that were otherwise challenging to catch.
The throwing sticks would have been tossed rotationally, akin to a boomerang, instead of overhead like a contemporary javelin, and may have allowed early humans to throw up to 30 meters (100 feet). Despite being lightweight, these weapons could be launched at high speeds, leading to lethal high-energy impacts.
Intricate Relationship Between the Tool and Its User
The finely crafted surface, deliberately shaped points, and a polish from handling all suggest that this was a regularly used personal item rather than a hastily made tool that was negligently discarded.
The principal investigator, Thomas Terberger, said: “The thorough analysis of the wooden finds at the Schöningen site, funded by the German Research Foundation, provides valuable new insights and we expect more fascinating information about these early wooden weapons shortly.”
The excellently preserved stick is currently exhibited at the Forschungsmuseum in Schöningen.
Reference: “A double-pointed wooden throwing stick from Schöningen, Germany: Results and new insights from a multianalytical study” by Annemieke Milks, Jens Lehmann, Dirk Leder, Michael Sietz, Tim Koddenberg, Utz Böhner, Volker Wachtendorf and Thomas Terberger, 19 July 2023, PLOS ONE.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287719
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Woodworking
What is the significance of the 300,000-year-old throwing stick discovered in Schöningen, Germany?
The 300,000-year-old throwing stick found in Schöningen, Germany, is of great importance as it reveals the advanced woodworking skills of early humans. It indicates their deep knowledge of wood properties and suggests communal hunting practices involving the whole community.
How were early humans skilled in woodworking?
The research on the ancient throwing stick indicates that early humans demonstrated an ability to plan well in advance and possessed sophisticated woodworking skills. They meticulously scraped, seasoned, and sanded the wooden stick, showcasing their craftsmanship and understanding of wood properties.
What can we learn from the use of lightweight throwing sticks in hunting?
The use of lightweight throwing sticks for hunting suggests that early humans might have engaged in communal hunts of medium and small animals. These throwing sticks, likely utilized rotationally, could have been effective in catching prey such as red and roe deer, and swift small creatures like hares and birds.
Could the entire community have been involved in using these throwing sticks?
Yes, it is believed that the creation of lightweight hunting tools like throwing sticks enabled the entire community, including children, to participate in hunting activities. The ease of launching these sticks may have made them accessible to a broader range of individuals within the community.
How is the throwing stick different from modern-day javelins?
Unlike modern javelins, the ancient throwing sticks were launched rotationally, similar to boomerangs. This rotational throwing technique allowed early humans to achieve impressive distances of up to 30 meters (100 feet) despite the lightweight nature of the sticks, potentially resulting in deadly high-energy impacts.
What does the well-preserved state of the throwing stick indicate?
The finely crafted surface, shaped points, and signs of frequent handling suggest that the throwing stick was a personal tool used repeatedly rather than a hastily made and discarded object. Its excellent preservation provides valuable insights into the ancient woodworking practices of early humans.
Where can the 300,000-year-old throwing stick be viewed?
The well-preserved throwing stick is currently on display at the Forschungsmuseum in Schöningen, Germany, where visitors can observe this remarkable artifact that sheds light on early human history and their woodworking prowess.
More about Woodworking
- PLOS ONE: “A double-pointed wooden throwing stick from Schöningen, Germany: Results and new insights from a multianalytical study” (DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287719)
- University of Reading: Department of Archaeology
- Forschungsmuseum Schöningen (Forschung und Lehre am Fundort der Schöninger Speere)
