Earliest Known Bone Tools Crafted by Human Ancestors 1.5 Million Years Ago

Researchers have identified the oldest known bone tools, dating back 1.5 million years, made from hippo and elephant bones at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. These discoveries signify the first evidence of systematic bone tool production by hominids, likely *Homo erectus* or *Paranthropus boisei*. The tools exhibit features indicating their functional use, providing insight into early human technology and resource exploitation.

Ancient human ancestors created specialized tools from animal bones approximately 1.5 million years ago, marking the earliest known instance of systematic bone tool production, as per researchers at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. The findings, reported on March 5 in Nature, highlight the significance of hominids like Homo erectus or Paranthropus boisei, who may have crafted these artifacts during that era.

Excavations from 2015 to 2022 yielded 27 bone tools that were found in dated sediment, with origins tracing back to the same period. Although stone tools were in use as early as 3.3 million years ago, bone tools have previously not been associated with such ancient dates; the prior oldest bone tools dated to around 500,000 years ago. A previously recognized 1.4-million-year-old hippo leg bone, used as a tool, hints at an even older tradition of bone tool creation that had not been fully explored until now.

The artifacts uncovered include many pieces made primarily from hippo and elephant leg bones, exhibiting various sizes and shapes. Notably, some tools feature pounding marks indicative of hominids sharpening the edges. The largest tools measured up to 38 centimeters, comparable to the distance from an adult’s elbow to fingertips. Additionally, six of the tools exhibited carved notches, possibly for improved handling, while others resembled pear-shaped stone axes.

Experts categorize these stone hand axes as key innovations of the Acheulean industry, which originated roughly 1.7 million years ago. Ignacio de la Torre, an archaeologist, remarked, “We believe that the Olduvai bone tools represent a technological transfer [by hominids] from stone to bone.” The excavation team also discovered numerous hippo bones marked by butchering, indicating that these hominids utilized hippo remains for nourishment and tool production. However, the scarcity of elephant bones suggests that such materials were likely transported to the site from different locations.

The recent discoveries at Olduvai Gorge reveal that human ancestors engaged in the systematic production of bone tools as far back as 1.5 million years ago. This finding reshapes our understanding of technological innovation in early hominids, suggesting a transfer of techniques from stone to bone. Additionally, the evidence of butchery marks on hippo bones indicates resourcefulness in utilizing both food and materials for tool making.

Original Source: www.sciencenews.org