Title: Discoveries in Germany Reveal Early Humans as Master Woodworkers
In an exciting archaeological find, a 300,000-year-old hunting weapon has been unearthed in Schöningen, Germany, shedding new light on the woodworking capabilities of early humans. The discovery shows that our ancestors were far more skilled in crafting wooden tools than previously believed, as revealed by research conducted by the University of Reading’s Department of Archaeology.
The wooden throwing stick found in Schöningen is believed to be a testament to the advanced woodworking techniques employed by early humans. The weapon, meticulously scraped, seasoned, and sanded, demonstrates their ability to plan ahead and utilize their knowledge of wood properties. This finding significantly challenges previous assumptions about the sophistication of early humans’ woodworking capabilities.
The lightweight design of the throwing sticks suggests their potential use in group hunts of medium and small animals. Experts speculate that these tools could have been utilized by the entire community, including children, enabling them to effectively hunt down game. Medium-sized animals such as deer, as well as fast small prey like hare and birds, were likely the targets of these early hunters.
Constructed using a spruce branch, the craftsmen from Schöningen employed their expertise to create aerodynamic and ergonomic throwing sticks. The technique used to throw these wooden implements was rotational, similar to a boomerang. Impressively, these tools were capable of reaching distances of up to 30 meters, indicating the high level of skill possessed by the early humans in hunting.
The well-preserved throwing stick is now proudly exhibited at the Forschungsmuseum in Schöningen for the public to marvel at and appreciate the craftsmanship of our ancient ancestors. The ongoing analysis of wooden artifacts found at the Schöningen site, funded by the German Research Foundation, offers invaluable insights into early humans’ use of wooden weapons.
This remarkable discovery in Germany not only highlights the advanced woodworking abilities of early humans but also underscores the significance of studying ancient artifacts to understand our shared history. As our understanding of early humans continues to evolve, it is clear that their prowess in various skills surpasses the simplistic visions often portrayed in popular culture.
