Archaeologists Discover Oldest Known Bone Tools in Tanzania

By ScinventDaily - Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - No Comments

The 27 bone tools that archaeologists uncovered in Tanzania varied in size depending on which animal from which they originated. - CSIC

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have uncovered 1.5 million-year-old bone tools in northern Tanzania, making them the oldest known of their kind by nearly a million years. The findings challenge previous assumptions about early human technology and cognition.

Historic Discovery in Olduvai Gorge

The tools, found in the Olduvai Gorge, were made from elephant and hippopotamus bones and show clear signs of being sharpened and shaped, likely with stone tools. The 27 bone fragments, some nearly 15 inches long, suggest that early human ancestors systematically produced these tools using techniques similar to stone toolmaking.

Previously, the earliest known bone tools dated back 250,000 to 500,000 years in Europe. This discovery, published in Nature, pushes that timeline back significantly, offering new insights into early hominin intelligence.

Cognitive Breakthrough for Early Humans

Researchers believe the tools demonstrate that early humans were capable of abstract reasoning, recognizing patterns, and applying learned techniques across different materials."This expansion of technological potential indicates advances in cognitive abilities" said Dr. Ignacio de la Torre, lead author of the study.

New Questions About Early Human Behavior

The discovery raises several questions:

Who made these tools? While no human remains were found at the site, Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei are believed to have lived in the region at the time.
How were they used? While direct evidence is lacking, researchers suspect the tools were used for processing animal carcasses and crafting additional tools.
Why were they made from bone? Some experts suggest bone was an alternative to stone, especially in areas where rocks were scarce.

Dr. Briana Pobiner, a paleoanthropologist at the Smithsonian, called the find “a signal that toolmaking was becoming an increasingly important part of our ancestors’ lives.”

This discovery reshapes our understanding of early technology and suggests that early human ancestors were far more advanced than previously thought.

News Ticker