Tools of the Neolithic Era
Some of the most notable tools utilized during the Neolithic era include the following:
Scrapers
A scraper (English: Scraper) is a flat piece of stone with a slightly curved edge. Scraping tools are among the original stone implements, having been discovered in various locations where early humans settled long before the Neolithic period began. These scrapers were used for butchering animals, removing meat from skins, and tanning them. The edges were typically sharpened through trimming and continuous grinding against another stone.
Blades and Diggers
Blades and diggers (English: Blades and diggers) were crafted from stone or bone and were primarily employed in the preparation and cutting of animal meat, as well as tilling fields for agriculture. When slightly longer, they also served the purpose of slicing vegetables and fruits. The production of blades was more intricate and challenging than that of scrapers, necessitating the sharpening of edges into thin blades. These items tended to wear down quickly or break easily.
Arrows and Spearheads
Arrows and spearheads (English: Arrows and Spearheads) represent a more complex design compared to basic scrapers and blades. Their tips not only required greater sensitivity but also demanded precise crafting and shaping, ensuring they could be accurately deployed swiftly when in use. Additionally, notches were included to aid in aiming when shooting arrows.
Axes
The polished stone axe (English: Axe) stands as one of the most significant advancements during the Neolithic era. Early farmers heavily relied on these polished axes for clearing forests in preparation for agriculture. This led to an increased demand for high-quality stones. Axes also served as effective weapons, and it is believed that many Neolithic axes were intended for defense against enemies rather than merely for cutting wood.
Adzes
An adze (English: Adzes) is a woodworking tool that gained popularity in the Neolithic period. Resembling an axe, it features a flat blade attached to a handle, used for smoothing or carving wood. This tool, particularly when made larger, proved efficient for digging, root removal, and overall land preparation for agriculture. It was among the fastest methods available for excavation.
Chisels and Hammers
In the Neolithic period, chisels (English: Chisels) were created by attaching a sharp piece of stone to a robust stick, while hammers (English: Hammers) were fashioned either by shaping stones or drilling holes through them and securing the head to the handle with cord or sinew. Hammers and chisels were commonly used together in woodworking tasks of that era.
Evolution of Neolithic Tools
Stone tools served as the foundation before gradually evolving into more complex and specialized implements. Rocks with a high silica content were deemed most suitable for tool-making. Prior to the Neolithic period, early humans utilized hand axes, which eventually lost popularity due to their cumbersome nature and lower specialization compared to newly developed tools. Scholars view the creation of these tools as indicative of early human ingenuity.
Insights into Neolithic Tools
While agricultural tools significantly differ from those used in hunting, a common requirement for both was sharpness. These early civilizations faced threats from both other humans and wild animals, leading to the emergence of innovative double-purpose tools during the Neolithic era designed for both farming and soil cultivation.
Tools and weapons with similar shapes, functions, and constructions were created in Neolithic societies globally. Their tools and weapons were crafted manually, a process that was time-consuming and labor-intensive. Consequently, it became vital for tools to also serve as weapons and vice versa.
Understanding the Neolithic Era
The Neolithic era (English: Neolithic) marks the final stage of technological evolution among early humans during prehistoric times. During this period, humans moved away from relying solely on hunting and gathering plants. This era encompasses three distinct periods: the Paleolithic, the Mesolithic, and the Neolithic. The significance of the Neolithic period lies in its architectural advancements, the widespread adoption of agricultural practices, and the use of polished stone tools.