Unveiling the Mysteries of Stone Age Tools
Rachel Smith
– Oct 15, 2021 10:30 am EST
Enlarge / Discovering the usage of Stone Age tools through experiments.
J. Lee et al., 2021/University of History
Delving into the Usage of Stone Age Tools
Exploring the functionality of ancient ground stone tools from the Early Upper Paleolithic era, a group of researchers decided to delve deeper by creating their own replicas of adzes, axes, and chisels. By employing these replicated tools in tasks that were common during that time period, the scientists observed distinctive fractures and wear patterns. These observations led to the establishment of novel criteria for identifying the probable functions of ancient tools, as detailed in a recent study in the Journal of Archaeological Science. If similar traces were found on authentic Stone Age artifacts, it would provide evidence that humans had been engaging in wood-related activities and refining techniques much earlier than previously thought.
Evolving Toolmaking Techniques
The evolution of woodworking tools and methodologies began with rudimentary implements like spears and throwing sticks prevalent in the early Stone Age. As time progressed, artifacts from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods displayed increased sophistication, showcasing the application of polished stone tools in crafting canoes, bows, wells, and constructing dwellings. Historically, the emergence of such stone tools was dated to around 10,000 years ago. Yet, archaeologists have unearthed numerous stone artifacts with ground edges dating back as far as 60,000 to 30,000 years ago. The usage of these tools, however, remains uncertain.
Replicating Ancient Tools
With the aim of shedding light on ancient tool usage, Akira Iwase and colleagues from Tokyo Metropolitan University fabricated replicas of adzes and axes using prevalent raw materials from the region dating between 38,000 and 30,000 years ago. Crafting the tools from semi-nephrite rocks, hornfels rocks, and tuff rocks, they expertly shaped various forms using a stone hammer and anvil. The edges were polished using coarse-grained sandstone or medium-grained tuff. The researchers created three types of replica tools: adze-types, axe-types, and chisel-types, each designed for specific functions.
Executing Experiments
To investigate the capabilities of the replica tools, the researchers conducted ten distinct usage experiments. They utilized axe-type tools to fell Japanese cedar and maple trees in north central Honshu and a forest adjacent to Tokyo Metropolitan University. The adze-type and axe-type tools were employed in the construction of a dugout canoe and wooden spears. Additionally, adze-type and chisel-type tools were utilized to remove bark from fig and pine trees. This series of experiments provided valuable insights into the potential functions of ancient stone tools.
Enlarge / Discovering the usage of Stone Age tools through experiments: A, tree-felling; B, wood-adzing; C, wood-scraping; D, fresh bone-adzing; E, dry hide-scraping; F, disarticulation of a joint.
J. Lee et al., 2021/University of History