Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University embarked on a journey to unravel the secrets of Stone Age tools and the activities that shaped their edges. Through meticulous craftsmanship and experimental trials, they uncovered a wealth of insights into the utilization of stone tools in prehistoric times, shedding light on the evolution of woodworking technology among early humans.
Drawing from the annals of Paleolithic artifacts, which hint at the rudimentary use of wood for essential tools like spears and throwing sticks, the study delves deeper into the Mesolithic and Neolithic eras, revealing a profound sophistication in woodworking practices. From the humble beginnings of simple implements to the ingenuity of crafting houses, canoes, bows, and wells, the evolution of woodworking technology mirrors the advancement of human civilization.
Central to this inquiry is the enigmatic presence of ground stone axes predating the Neolithic age, challenging conventional timelines and prompting questions about their purpose and usage. Across archaeological sites in Australia and Japan, remnants of ground edge artifacts from the Marine Isotope Stage 3 era (approximately 60,000–30,000 years ago) have sparked intrigue, beckoning researchers to decipher their role in ancient societies.
Led by Assistant Professor Akira Iwase, the team embarked on a hands-on exploration, fashioning replicas of tools reminiscent of the Early Upper Paleolithic age. Employing ancient techniques of knapping and grinding, the researchers meticulously crafted and polished stone edges, reminiscent of methods available to our ancestors millennia ago. Drawing inspiration from practices in Irian Jaya, methods for affixing handles to stone edges were adopted, giving rise to adzes, axes, and chisels imbued with ancient craftsmanship.
The crux of the study lay in subjecting these replicated tools to a myriad of tasks, ranging from tree-felling and hide-processing to mundane activities like carrying and trampling. With keen eyes and meticulous scrutiny, the researchers examined the edges for telltale signs—macroscopic fractures indicative of impactful activities, and microscopic traces hinting at frictional interactions with wood.
Through a judicious combination of macroscopic and microscopic evidence, the researchers discerned distinct patterns associated with tree-felling activities, distinguishing them from other forms of use or non-use events. This synthesis of evidence not only offers a glimpse into the ancient practices of woodworking but also provides a novel framework for interpreting artifacts from the Marine Isotope Stage 3 era.
Should similar traces be discovered on artifacts from these enigmatic sites, it would signify a paradigm shift in our understanding of ancient woodworking technology, pushing back the origins of sophisticated craftsmanship to epochs preceding current estimates. Such revelations have the potential to reshape our perceptions of Stone Age societies and illuminate the pathways through which technological innovations spread across diverse landscapes and environments.
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan University
