Can You Believe It? Early ancestors of humans were skilled woodworkers who crafted double-pointed weapons over 300,000 years ago. Interestingly, they didn’t use these weapons as traditional spears, but rather launched them like boomerangs!
A recent study reveals that our early human predecessors were not only adept at woodworking, but they also created personalized tools. Researchers have uncovered a double-pointed stick dating back 300,000 years in Germany. This stick was meticulously scraped, seasoned, and sanded before being used for hunting and killing animals.
This discovery suggests that early humans had advanced woodworking techniques that were more sophisticated than previously believed. Additionally, the use of throwing sticks as hunting aids may have involved the entire community, including children.
The stick, measuring 77cm in length, was found in Schöningen in 1994. It is one of several tools discovered in the area, including throwing spears, thrusting spears, and another similarly sized throwing stick. After analysis by the University of Reading, it was determined that the stick was most likely used to hunt medium-sized game, such as red and roe deer. It may have also been used for hunting small and fast prey like hares and birds.
The throwing sticks were not thrown overhand like modern javelins, but instead, they were thrown rotationally, similar to a boomerang. This technique allowed early humans to achieve impressive throwing distances of up to 30 meters. Despite their lightweight nature, these weapons could generate deadly high-energy impacts due to the high velocities at which they were launched.
The stick’s fine surface, carefully shaped points, and polished appearance suggest that it was a personal tool that was repeatedly used, rather than a hastily made and disposable item.
Lead researcher Dr. Annemieke Milks commented on the significance of wooden tool discoveries in understanding early human behavior. She stated, “Amazingly, these early humans demonstrated an ability to plan well in advance, a strong knowledge of the properties of wood, and many sophisticated woodworking skills that we still use today.” Furthermore, these lightweight throwing sticks may have allowed the entire community, including children, to participate in hunting activities.
Co-author Dirk Leder highlighted the intricate woodworking process involved in creating these throwing sticks. It required multiple steps, including cutting, stripping the bark, shaping it aerodynamically, further refining the surface, seasoning the wood to prevent damage, and sanding it for better handling.
The findings of this research have been published in the journal Plos One.
The timeline of human evolution spans millions of years, with various significant milestones. It is a journey that has led to the development of modern humans, Homo sapiens, around 300,000 to 200,000 years ago in Africa.
In conclusion, this fascinating study sheds new light on the woodworking prowess of early humans and their innovative use of throwing sticks as hunting tools. The findings highlight their advanced skills and emphasize the importance of wood in shaping our evolution.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
