Schoningen study revealing Foresights about Primitive hominid

24 May Schoningen study revealing Foresights about Primitive hominid

THIS ARTICLE COVERS ‘DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS’ AND THE TOPIC DETAILS OF “New study related to wood age”. THIS TOPIC IS RELEVANT IN THE “History” SECTION OF THE UPSC CSE EXAM.

A recent study from Shoningen, Germany has revealed the use of wood in technologically advanced tools  which required skill and precision for development. This study reveals that primitive hominids too had the foresight for systematic planning and hunting.

This can lead to revision of many existing theories which dates the systematic hunting much later development. It also shows a preservation bias towards the stone tools as  they have been found in large numbers and wood deteriorates faster as compared to stone tools. But this study by Thomas Teberger shows that it does not mean that wooden tools could have been used at the same time as the stone tools.

The periods in stone age

The Stone Age is typically divided into three main periods: the Paleolithic (Old Stone Age), the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age), and the Neolithic (New Stone Age). Each period is characterized by distinct technological, social, and cultural developments.

• Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age):

1. 1. • This period spans from about 2.5 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE.
      • During this time, humans were primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on simple stone tools and weapons such as hand axes and spears.
      • The Paleolithic is further subdivided into Lower, Middle, and Upper Paleolithic periods, each marked by advancements in tool-making and cultural development.

• Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age):

1. 1. • The Mesolithic period followed the Paleolithic and lasted from approximately 10,000 BCE to around 5,000 BCE.
      • It saw the development of more refined stone tools, as well as innovations such as the use of microliths (small stone tools) and the beginning of domestication of animals and plants.
      • Human societies during this period began to settle in more permanent locations, but still relied heavily on hunting and gathering for sustenance.

• Neolithic Period (New Stone Age):

1. • The Neolithic period began around 10,000 BCE and lasted until the adoption of metal tools, marking the transition to the Bronze Age (varies by region, but generally around 3,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE).
   • It is characterized by the development of agriculture and animal domestication, leading to settled communities and the establishment of the first agricultural societies.
   • Pottery-making, weaving, and the construction of permanent dwellings were also significant advancements of the Neolithic period.

These periods represent significant milestones in human prehistory, marking the progression from early hominids using basic stone tools to more complex societies based on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Problems in studying these tools 

Studying stone tools in archaeology is crucial for understanding human prehistory, but there are indeed some limitations and potential defects associated with this approach:

1. Preservation Bias: As mentioned earlier, there’s a preservation bias towards stone tools because they are more likely to survive in the archaeological record compared to organic materials like wood. This bias can lead to an incomplete understanding of past cultures and technologies, as wooden tools and other perishable artifacts may have decayed over time.
2. Selective Deposition: The deposition of stone tools may not accurately represent their original use or significance within a society. Tools could be intentionally discarded or lost in specific contexts, leading to skewed interpretations if these contexts are not fully understood.
3. Limited Context: Stone tools are often found out of their original context, making it difficult to determine their chronological or cultural associations accurately. Without contextual information, it’s challenging to interpret the purpose, function, or social significance of these artifacts accurately.
4. Functional Interpretation: While archaeologists can often determine the form and technology used to create stone tools, inferring their specific function or use can be challenging. Experimental archaeology and ethnoarchaeology can help bridge this gap by replicating tool-making techniques and observing their use in modern contexts.
5. Interpretive Bias: Researchers may bring their own biases and preconceptions to the interpretation of stone tools, potentially leading to subjective interpretations. It’s essential to approach archaeological evidence with open-mindedness and consider multiple hypotheses when interpreting stone tool assemblages.
6. Technological Advances: The study of stone tools relies heavily on technological advancements in analysis techniques. New methods, such as high-resolution imaging, geochemical analysis, and microscopic examination, continually improve our ability to understand stone tool production, use-wear patterns, and sourcing.

The findings from the Schöningen study contribute to our understanding of early human technology, hunting practices, and social behaviors during the Paleolithic period. They challenge previous assumptions about the sophistication of ancient tool-making and suggest that early hominids were capable of crafting complex wooden implements for hunting and other activities, further emphasizing the importance of considering a wide range of materials and evidence in archaeological research.

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