Ancient humans recycled tools half-million years ago

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, September 12, 2019
Adjust font size:

A multinational research team, led by Tel Aviv University (TAU) in central Israel, has found evidence of the use of tiny recycled tools half a million years ago, TAU reported on Wednesday.

According to the study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, ancient humans took out-of-use flint items and recycled them for other purposes.

The study is based on expert analysis of 283 tiny flint items some 300,000-500,000 years old -- which were found in the prehistoric site of Revadim in central Israel.

This site refers to the Homo erectus species and the Acheulian culture of stone tool industry in the Old Stone Age.

This culture, which was prevalent also in Africa, Europe and Asia at the time, was characterized by the standard production of large impressive stone tools, mainly used in the butchery of the enormous animals.

The analysis, which included microscopic observations of use-wear as well as organic and inorganic residues, revealed that the flint specimens were not merely industrial waste left over from the production of larger tools. In addition, they were the deliberate product of recycled discarded artifacts and intended for a specific use.

Some 107 tiny flakes showed signs of processing animal carcasses. 11 flakes also revealed organic and inorganic residues, mainly of bone but also of soft tissue.

Experiments carried out with reproductions of the tools showed that the tiny 3-cm-long flakes must have been used for delicate tasks, performed in tandem with larger butchery tools.

Ancient humans depended on the meat and especially the fat of animals for their existence and well-being, so the quality butchery of the large animals and the extraction of every possible calorie were of paramount importance to them.

"The study shows that nothing was wasted, reflecting a refined, accurate, thoughtful, and environmentally conscious culture. This ecological awareness allowed ancient humans to thrive for thousands of years," the researchers concluded. 

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter