A recent study has shed new light on the remarkable cognitive and technological capabilities of early humans living in the Ethiopian Highlands between 1.6 and 1 million years ago. Published in PLOS ONE, the research reveals that these early hominins demonstrated advanced decision-making skills in their selection of materials for toolmaking, showcasing an impressive understanding of their natural environment and its resources.

The study, conducted at the Melka Wakena site in the Ethiopian Highlands, highlights the significance of material properties in the development and use of early Acheulean tools. Researchers found that early humans were not randomly choosing stones but were carefully evaluating factors such as durability, efficiency, and suitability for specific tasks. This strategic selection process indicates a high level of technological foresight and adaptability.

Using advanced imaging and robotic experiments, the research team demonstrated that the physical properties of different materials significantly influenced the tools' durability and performance. This finding underscores the early hominins' deep understanding of the properties of various stones, enabling them to make informed decisions about their tools.

The research was a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions worldwide, including the TraCEr Laboratory of MONREPOS Archaeological Research Center and Museum for Human Behavioral Evolution in Germany, the Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and Evolution of Human Behavior (ICArEHB) at the University of Algarve, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This interdisciplinary approach allowed researchers to establish a quantifiable baseline for understanding the technological behaviors of early Pleistocene toolmakers.

Prof. Erella Hovers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who co-led the excavations with Dr. Tegenu Gossa, emphasized the complexity of the decisions made by early humans regarding which stones to use based on their intended purposes. This reflects an advanced level of technological foresight and adaptability.

The research team employed sophisticated imaging methods, including 3D scanning and photogrammetry, to analyze wear patterns on stone tools. These technologies, provided by the TraCEr Laboratory, revealed that early humans were making deliberate choices about their tools, influenced by the surface changes of the materials used. This demonstrates that differences in archaeological finds are not random but are the result of informed decision-making processe.

Dr. João Marreiros, director of the TraCEr Laboratory, noted that the deliberate selection of materials influenced the surface changes of the tools. This finding highlights the importance of understanding the technological behaviors of early humans and their ability to adapt to their environment.

The study opens the door for further research into the conditions that determine raw material choice, including tool use activities such as stone flaking, bone breaking, and meat processing. By continuing to explore these aspects, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the technological ingenuity of early hominins and their ability to adapt to their environment.

The findings from the Melka Wakena site provide valuable insights into the cognitive and technological capabilities of early humans in the Ethiopian Highlands. The strategic selection of materials for toolmaking reflects a high level of technological foresight and adaptability, underscoring the remarkable ingenuity of our early ancestors.

The Story is From: archaeologymag

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Ethiopia’s early hominins show remarkable technological decision-making