Researchers from Nagoya University Museum and Graduate School of Environmental Studies in Japan have made significant discoveries about the choice of rocks by early humans during the Paleolithic era. Their findings, recently published in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, reveal that these ancient toolmakers selected stones based on various properties, not merely ease of breakage, showcasing their technical knowledge in tool production.
As Homo sapiens migrated from Africa to Eurasia, they crafted stone tools from materials like obsidian and flint for various purposes. Understanding these toolmaking techniques is crucial for archaeologists.
Detailed Research in Southern Jordan
Focusing on the origins of Homo sapiens in Eurasia, which began in the Middle East, Nagoya University’s Eiki Suga and Seiji Kadowaki examined prehistoric sites in the Jebel Qalkha area, southern Jordan. They studied flint nodules from outcrops used in the Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods (70,000 to 30,000 years ago).
Their research suggests Paleolithic humans deliberately sought specific types of flint, favoring those that were translucent and smooth for easier shaping into sharp-edged tools.
Testing Rock Properties
To assess rock properties, the researchers employed a Schmidt Hammer and a Rockwell Hardness Device. The Schmidt Hammer evaluates the rebound hardness of materials, while the Rockwell device measures strength by pressing a diamond indenter onto the rock surface.
Initial findings showed that fine-grained flint, which was easier to fracture, was preferred for smaller tools in the Early Upper Paleolithic period (40,000 to 30,000 years ago).
Challenging Previous Theories
However, the team’s previous studies indicated that medium-grained flint, despite being harder to work with, was more commonly used for larger tools in the Late Middle Paleolithic and Initial Upper Paleolithic (70,000 to 40,000 years ago). This was likely due to its durability, despite geological activities causing internal fractures in fine-grained flint, rendering it unsuitable for larger tools.
Insights into Toolmaking Decisions
This research implies that Paleolithic humans made strategic choices in selecting flint for toolmaking, considering various factors beyond ease of fracturing. Eiki Suga notes that these ancient humans had a sensory understanding of rock characteristics and intentionally chose materials based on the desired tool’s form and production technique. This adaptability in technological behavior is crucial for understanding human evolution, toolmaking, and environmental adaptation.
Unanswered Questions and Future Research
Suga highlights the importance of further research to understand why Homo sapiens expanded their distribution 50,000 to 40,000 years ago, and how interactions with Neandertals and Denisovans played a role. He emphasizes the need to study cultural remains, like stone tools, to better comprehend human technological evolution, environmental adaptation, and population growth during that era.
Reference: “Explaining the Increase in ‘High-quality Chert’ in the Early Upper Paleolithic Artifacts in Southern Jordan: Quantitative Examination of Chert Mechanical Properties and Fracture Predictability” by Eiki Suga, Kazuhiro Tsukada, Oday Tarawneh, Sate Massadeh and Seiji Kadowaki, 8 November 2023, Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology.
DOI: 10.1007/s41982-023-00164-w
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Paleolithic Toolmaking
What was the focus of the Nagoya University research team’s study?
The team from Nagoya University Museum and Graduate School of Environmental Studies in Japan investigated the varying physical properties of rocks used by early humans in the Paleolithic era. They aimed to understand how these ancient humans selected rocks for toolmaking, considering multiple factors beyond mere ease of breakage.
How did Homo sapiens use stone tools during their migration?
As Homo sapiens migrated from Africa to Eurasia, they used stone tools made of materials like obsidian and flint for cutting, slicing, crafting, and creating ranged weapons. These tools played a significant role in their culture, making the study of their toolmaking techniques important to archaeologists.
Where did the researchers conduct their focused study?
Archaeologists Eiki Suga and Seiji Kadowaki from Nagoya University focused their study on prehistoric sites in the Jebel Qalkha area, southern Jordan. This area was significant due to its relevance in the geographic expansion of Homo sapiens in Eurasia, particularly in the Middle East.
What did the research reveal about Paleolithic humans’ choice of rocks?
The research revealed that Paleolithic humans intentionally searched for specific types of flint that were translucent and smooth, as these could be easily broken off and shaped into sharp edges. This indicates their technical expertise and intentional selection of materials based on the desired tool’s form and production technique.
What tools were used to test the mechanical properties of rocks?
The researchers used a Schmidt Hammer and a Rockwell Hardness Device to test the mechanical properties of the rocks. The Schmidt Hammer measures the elastic behavior and rebound hardness of a material, while the Rockwell hardness device tests the strength of the rock by pressing a diamond indenter onto its surface.
What was the significance of the study’s findings?
The study’s findings highlight the complexity of our ancestors’ behavior and technological adaptability. It suggests that Paleolithic humans had a deep understanding of the properties of different rocks and made strategic choices for toolmaking, considering factors like durability and suitability for different types of tools.
More about Paleolithic Toolmaking
- Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology
- Nagoya University Research
- Stone Toolmaking Techniques
- Homo sapiens Migration Patterns
- Archaeological Studies in Southern Jordan
