Archaeologists Discover 1.5-Million-Year-Old Bone Tools in Tanzania

Recent discoveries in Tanzania's Olduvai Gorge have revealed that early humans used animal bones to craft tools approximately 1.5 million years ago, predating previous estimates by about one million years. This significant find, published in Nature, includes 27 well-preserved bone tools made from elephant and hippo bones, suggesting that early hominins had advanced cognitive skills and were capable of innovating with multiple materials. Researchers believe these tools were likely used for butchering rather than hunting, indicating a shift in how early humans interacted with animals, viewing them as resources rather than just competitors. The techniques used to shape these bones are similar to those employed in stone tool-making, demonstrating a transfer of skills that showcases the cognitive abilities of our ancient ancestors. This discovery challenges the long-held narrative that systematic bone tool production began much later in human evolution. Overall, it signals a complex understanding and manipulation of materials by early hominins, potentially reshaping our understanding of their technological capabilities.