12. Oldowan Tools
Return to History 8 Human Origins Vocabulary
Oldowan Tools are the oldest known tools created by our ancestors, dating as far back as 2.3 million years ago. The key innovation is the technique of chipping stones to create a chopping or cutting edge. Most Oldowan tools were made by a single blow of one rock against another to create a sharp-edged flake. Scientists are able to find marks made by the Oldowan tools by examining the cut marks on the bones of large mammals that have been found at Homo habilis sites. Archeologists can tell that one of the primary uses for these tools was to butcher animal carcasses (bone marrow and meat). The Oldowan tools are a major milestone in human evolutionary history: the earliest evidence of cultural behavior. Homo habilis, an ancestor of H. sapiens manufactured Oldowan tools.
Sources:
http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/behavior/tools/early-tools/oldowan-tools-lokalalei-kenya (image)
https://anthromuseum.missouri.edu/minigalleries/handaxes/intro.shtml
Ancient Origins Eight History Manual Page 27
For More Information:
https://anthromuseum.missouri.edu/minigalleries/handaxes/intro.shtml
By: Erin Oldham
