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Not Built by Homo Sapiens – Scientists Discover “Extraordinary” 476,000-Year-Old Wooden Structure
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Not Built by Homo sapiens – Scientists Discover “Extraordinary” 476,000-Year-Old Wooden Structure [scitechdaily.com]:
Discoveries at Kalambo Falls, Zambia offer insights into ancient human technology.
Recent research has revealed that nearly half a million years ago, ancient human ancestors, predating Homo sapiens, were already engaging in advanced woodworking.
The artifacts found indicate that these humans were building structures, potentially laying the foundation of platforms or parts of dwellings, much earlier than what was once believed.
The Evidence from Kalambo Falls
A team from the University of Liverpool [scitechdaily.com] and Aberystwyth University excavated preserved wood at Kalambo Falls, Zambia, dating back to an impressive 476,000 years. Analyzing the stone tool cut marks on the wood, the team deduced that these early humans intentionally shaped and combined two logs, showcasing the deliberate crafting of logs to fit together. Prior to this discovery, humans were believed to only utilize wood for simpler purposes such as creating fire, crafting digging sticks, and making spears.
Discoveries at Kalambo Falls, Zambia offer insights into ancient human technology.
Recent research has revealed that nearly half a million years ago, ancient human ancestors, predating Homo sapiens, were already engaging in advanced woodworking.
The artifacts found indicate that these humans were building structures, potentially laying the foundation of platforms or parts of dwellings, much earlier than what was once believed.
The Evidence from Kalambo Falls
A team from the University of Liverpool [scitechdaily.com] and Aberystwyth University excavated preserved wood at Kalambo Falls, Zambia, dating back to an impressive 476,000 years. Analyzing the stone tool cut marks on the wood, the team deduced that these early humans intentionally shaped and combined two logs, showcasing the deliberate crafting of logs to fit together. Prior to this discovery, humans were believed to only utilize wood for simpler purposes such as creating fire, crafting digging sticks, and making spears.
Journal Reference:
Barham, L., Duller, G. A. T., Candy, I., et al. Evidence for the earliest structural use of wood at least 476,000 years ago [open], Nature (DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06557-9 [doi.org])
