Olduwan stone tools
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Olduwan stone tools
Olduwan stone tools. These are the oldest tools found at the Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. The oldest tools here date to around 1.85 million years ago. Olduwan tools such as this were rounded rocks sharpened by a blow that detached a flake, leaving a sharp edge. They are thought to have been first made and used by Paranthropus (formerly Zinjanthropus then Australopithecus) boisei, a hominid that lived between 2.6 and 1.4 million years ago. P. boisei is not considered to be an ancestor of modern humans, although similar tools were made by the human ancestor Homo habilis
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Media ID 6342359
© JAVIER TRUEBA/MSF/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Africa Anthropological Anthropology Archaeological Archaeology Fossil Man Hominid Hominids Olduvai Gorge Palaeoanthropology Paleoanthropology Primitive Rock Rocks Stone Tool Stones Tanzania Tools Lithic Palaeontology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable Olduwan stone tools, a testament to our ancient ancestors' ingenuity and resourcefulness. Discovered at the renowned Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, these tools are believed to be the oldest ever found, dating back approximately 1.85 million years. Crafted by Paranthropus boisei, a hominid species that thrived between 2.6 and 1.4 million years ago, these primitive yet effective instruments were fashioned from rounded rocks skillfully sharpened through precise blows that detached flakes, resulting in sharp edges. While P. boisei is not considered a direct ancestor of modern humans, it is fascinating to note that similar tools were later created by Homo habilis, one of our early human ancestors. The significance of these artifacts extends beyond their age; they provide invaluable insights into the capabilities and lifestyles of our distant relatives. Archaeologists and paleoanthropologists study them meticulously to unravel clues about early tool-making techniques and understand how hominids interacted with their environment. This mesmerizing photograph captures the essence of this archaeological treasure—a tangible link connecting us to our evolutionary past. It serves as a reminder of humanity's enduring quest for knowledge about our origins while highlighting the rich cultural heritage preserved within Africa's vast landscapes.
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