A 300,000-year-old hunting weapon has shed new light on early humans as skilled carpenters, new research finds.
A recent analysis of a two-pronged wooden stick found in Schöngen, Germany, three decades ago shows that it was scraped, primed, and sanded before the animal was killed. Research shows that the woodworking techniques of early humans were more advanced and complex than previously thought.
The findings, published today in PLOS ONE , indicate that the development of small arms enabled mass hunting of medium and small animals. Throwing a stick as a hunting tool can affect entire communities, including children.
The research was led by Dr Animek Milks, from the Department of Archeology at the University of Reading. she says. “The discovery of wooden tools revolutionized our understanding of early human behavior. Amazingly, these early humans demonstrated the ability to plan well in advance, a deep understanding of the properties of wood, and highly complex carpentry skills that we still use today.”
“These lightweight throwing rods are easier to throw than heavy javelins, which shows the potential for community participation. Children may have used such tools when they were learning to throw and catch.”
Co-author Dirk Leder said: “The Schöningers used a spruce branch to create this aerodynamic and ergonomic tool. Woodworking involved several steps: cutting and removing bark, carving into an aerodynamic shape, scraping other surfaces, seasoning the wood to prevent splitting and loosening, and sanding.” »
The 77 cm long stick found in 1994 is one of a variety of tools found at Schöningen, including spears, spears and a second throwing stick of similar size.
The two-pronged throwing stick, analyzed at a very high level for this new study, was likely used by early humans for medium-sized game like red deer and deer, and possibly small, fast-moving game like rabbits and birds that would have been difficult to catch.
Throwing poles were swung like a boomerang rather than a modern spear, and early humans may have been able to throw up to 100 feet. Although these weapons are light, they can be fired at high speeds, resulting in deadly high energy effects.
The smooth surface, the carefully chiseled edges, and the luster imparted by use indicate that it is a frequently used personal wear, and a hastily made tool carelessly discarded.
said lead investigator Thomas Turberger. "Systematic analysis of wooden finds from the Schöningen site, funded by the German Research Foundation, provides valuable new insights and exciting new insights into these early wooden weapons can be expected soon."
The well-preserved sugar cane is on display at the Schöningen Research Museum.
Additional information: Double-sided wooden throwing stick from Schöningen, Germany. New findings and insights from a multi-analyze study, PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287719
Citation : Early Humans Were Weapon Experts, Study Results (2023, July 19), Retrieved July 22, 2023, from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-early-humans-weapon-woodwork-experts.html
This document is subject to copyright. No part may be reproduced without written permission, except as fair dealing for personal study or research. The content is for informational purposes only.
