Tools of the Paleolithic Era
This article explores the stages of development during the Stone Age, including the tools and equipment utilized during this fascinating period.
Primitive Stage of the Stone Age
During the early stages of the Stone Age, approximately 2.5 million years ago, humans began crafting tools from stone. These tools, known as Oldowan tools, included sharp-edged stone flakes, such as knives and stone hammers. Over a period extending beyond 1.5 million years, early humans advanced their tool-making techniques by creating Acheulean handaxes. These handaxes were characterized by their oval shape and sharp edges, serving primarily for cutting purposes.
Middle Paleolithic Period
This phase dates back around 200,000 years and is marked by notable advancements in stone tool manufacturing. New tools emerged, including spears and other sharp implements such as stone awls, which were used for piercing hides. Additionally, scrapers were developed, utilized for woodwork tasks, indicating an evolution in craftsmanship.
Advanced Stone Age
In the advanced stage of the Stone Age, the manufacturing of tools became increasingly sophisticated, incorporating additional materials beyond stone. Bones, horns, and ivory began to be integrated into tool production, resulting in more specialized and skillful creations.
The Stone Age
The Stone Age, often recognized as a period within prehistory, is distinguished by the extensive utilization and discovery of stone tools, which date back nearly 3.5 million years. This era is subdivided into distinct periods: the Old Stone Age, the Middle Stone Age, and the New Stone Age, based on the observed advancements in the creation and usage of stone tools throughout time.
Lifestyle during the Stone Age
Due to the absence of written records detailing life during the Stone Age, researchers have relied on inference drawn from various archaeological sites where early humans resided. Anthropologists have examined hunting methods and compared them with modern techniques, shedding light on the fundamental elements that played a crucial role in the economic and social structures of that era.