Archaeologists have unearthed what appear to be the oldest known bone implements, which date back about a million years earlier than previous findings.
This discovery indicates that early humans possessed more sophisticated tool-making abilities than was earlier believed.
These 27 fossilized remains, crafted into tools approximately 1.5 million years ago, are reshaping our understanding of early human technological development.
The collection discovered in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge offers the oldest proof of intentional bone tool production by early hominids.
Made from the sturdy thigh bones of elephants and hippopotamuses, these tools demonstrate that ancient humans had more sophisticated toolsets than earlier believed.
Scientists have established that basic stone instruments date back 3.3 million years. However, bone tools were thought to have emerged significantly later.
The artifacts, which remain in excellent condition with some pieces reaching up to 40 centimeters, exhibit evident indications of deliberate crafting.
When they were first made, our forebears inhabited an uncertain hunter-gatherer life on the plains of the Serengeti area, a terrain brimming with animals.
They created them utilizing a method akin to the production of stone tools, where tiny flakes were removed to create keen edges, showcasing advanced skillfulness.
Dr. Christine Adhiambo Ogola serves as an archaeologist at the National Museum of Kenya and was uninvolved in the research.
“They mentioned that bone tools aren’t prevalent due to their tendency to decay. Thus, even though there could be numerous instances of these tools throughout history, only a few remain intact today. In contrast, stone tools persist longer, which is why we find more of those preserved,” she explained.
These implements were probably utilized as hand-held axes for dismembering animal carcasses, mainly scavenged remnants of elephants and hippos.
Unike the subsequent tools, these were not attached to handles or employed as spears.
Scientists argue that the consistent choice of certain bones, mainly big limb bones from particular creatures, indicates that ancient humans intentionally looked for superior raw materials to craft their tools.
“We can’t precisely determine when they began utilizing bone tools since it’s possible that these implements were used even before the period we’re studying. Given what we’ve learned about chimpanzees employing such tools, it suggests that human beings at a similar stage of evolution might have utilized them as well,” explained Ogola.
Consider this from a temporal perspective. When did humans reach that stage? It might have been as far back as 4-5 million years ago.
This finding predates the emergence of Homo sapiens by over a million years. During this period, at least three distinct hominin species inhabited the area, namely Homo erectus, Homo habilis, and Paranthropus boisei.
It remains uncertain which species crafted these tools; however, experts indicate that the discoveries imply early humans weren’t merely responding passively to their surroundings. Instead, they appear to have been deliberately strategizing about how they manufactured their tools and carefully choosing materials for specific intended uses.
The finding, reported in the journal Nature, sheds light on the developing intellect and flexibility of our ancient forebears.
