A group of archaeologists in South Africa ascended to great elevations to uncover a significant collection of human-made tools dating back approximately 20,000 years. The recently found stone artifacts were located within a cave perched high above the nation's southern coastline. "The location sits at 23 meters [75.4 feet] above sea level, which we..."
A team of archeologists In South Africa, they needed to reach new elevations to discover an essential collection. tools created by humans approximately 20,000 years ago. These recently found stone implements were located within a cave perched above the nation's southern shoreline.
"The archaeological site sits at an elevation of 23 meters [75.4 feet] above sea level, requiring us to ascend this height daily to reach the location," says the archaeologist. Sara Watson tells Popular Science It makes it challenging to advance even until now, yet that same challenge is what has aided in maintaining it for such an extended period.
Watson and his crew faced the daunting task of climbing up while carrying approximately 50 pounds of additional weight due to excavation and photographic gear. Nevertheless, this strenuous effort and meticulous digging proved worthwhile. These instruments provided intriguing insights into the lives and interactions of those who resided in the region millennia ago. They detail their discoveries in a report. research paper released on April 9 in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology .
Into the Pleistocene
The blades retrieved from the cave date back between 24,000 and 12,000 years. During this period, Earth was approaching the end of the Ice Age. last major ice age .
"The Pleistocene era was indeed remarkably distinct from our current world. Only over the past approximately 10,000 years have we encountered a comparatively steady, mild, and rather agreeable climate that facilitated activities such as farming and, as I often refer to it, 'Big C Civilization,'" explains Watson.
In the Pleistocene era, our forebears endured multiple ice ages. Nevertheless, the intervals between these cold periods—known as interglacial phases—were also relatively cool.
[ Related: Archaeologists find that Ice Age humans crafted needles from animal bones. . ]
"So the climate experienced various extreme fluctuations and changes everywhere you look, nestled between two significant ice ages," explains Watson.
These modifications can be seen in the rock formations at the sites where these new instruments were discovered. During the period between approximately 24,000 and 12,000 years ago when much of Earth's water was locked up in ice sheets, The sea level was significantly lower in numerous areas across the globe. These caves in South Africa were located several miles away from the coastline, rather than atop rugged cliffs near a sandy shore. The surrounding area probably consisted of vast grasslands teeming with big wildlife, much like the region did in those times. contemporary Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania .
People pursued those creatures, leading them to create advanced tools and weaponry, says Watson .
The group employed minuscule dentistry instruments to carefully eliminate every stratum of debris and dust, ultimately uncovering numerous petite, keen-edged blades along with bigger fragments of stone from which these blades had been detached.
Although it’s challenging to pinpoint their exact purpose, several theories exist regarding the use of these stones.
They might have played a role in constructing complex tools and missile weaponry such as bows and arrows," explains Watson. "Given that this location was about 75 kilometers [46 miles] away from the coast during the timeframe under consideration, it suggests an expanse of open terrain capable of sustaining vast herds of migrating creatures.
Additionally, the team saw several distinct patterns about how the cores from these tools were split into multiple smaller blades.
Watson explains, "In many of these technologies, the primary simplification is quite precise and is something you're instructed and educated about; this is where societal knowledge comes into play. If we observe particular techniques for basic simplification at various locations throughout the region, as an archaeologist, I can infer that these individuals were exchanging concepts with each other."
Knowledge sharing
A specific technique for detaching small bladelets from a core has also been observed. several hundred miles away in modern-day Namibia and Lesotho These patterns recurred repeatedly, suggesting international and common knowledge rather than mere coincidental similarities.
Discovering identical tools and manufacturing techniques throughout the nation indicates that individuals maintained connections spanning vast distances," explains Watson. "Moreover, we believe the location might have served a slightly different purpose as well. Instead of being continuously inhabited, it could have functioned as a transient encampment.
Despite many unanswered questions regarding the individuals who inhabited these caves thousands of years back, they weren’t fundamentally different from modern humans.
Watson explains, "Our species has an extensive and vibrant past, and human existence dates back much further than many individuals recognize. Those who lived during the era of the last Ice Age shared considerable similarities with people nowadays."