Researchers at Olduvai Gorge have discovered a bone tool collection, dated to 500,000 years ago, alongside over 10,000 stone artifacts. This includes 27 bone tools shaped by intentional flake removal. Unlike most contexts, carnivore gnawing was minimal in this collection, suggesting purposeful crafting by hominins. Evidence points to a sophisticated understanding of bone morphology, with a preference for large mammal bones. This finding marks a pivotal shift in early human technology, showcasing an expanded repertoire that included bone tools alongside stone tools, hinting at increased technological innovation.
Bone tools shaped by knapping were much rarer until about 500,000 years ago, making it challenging to identify consistent behaviors in the making and use of such tools.
This discovery leads us to assume that early humans significantly expanded their technological options, which until then were limited to the production of stone tools.
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