Reconstruction of Xigou tool-making.
Credit: Hulk Yuan
New findings from central China are reshaping our understanding of early human innovation.
An international team of researchers has identified evidence of advanced stone tool technologies in East Asia dating from 160,000 to 72,000 years ago. The study was recently published in Nature Communications.
The project was led by theInstitute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with contributions from scientists in China, Australia, Spain, and the United States. The team carried out multidisciplinary excavations at the Xigou site in the Danjiangkou Reservoir region of central China.
Their findings point to sophisticated toolmaking practices over a long time span, showing that hominins in this region were more adaptable and inventive than once believed. During this period, several large-brained hominin species lived in China, including Homo longi, Homo juluensis, and possibly Homo sapiens.
Credit: Image by the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, CAS.
Establishing the Timeline
To determine the age of the site, researchers used multiple luminescence dating techniques on six samples to cross-check results. They found that quartz recuperated optically stimulated luminescence (ReOSL) provided a dependable estimate for the age of the sediment layers.
Based on these results, the cultural layer at Xigou dates to about 160,000 to 72,000 years ago. This provides a clear timeline for examining hominin activity at the site.
Establishing the Timeline
To determine the age of the site, researchers used multiple luminescence dating techniques on six samples to cross-check results. They found that quartz recuperated optically stimulated luminescence (ReOSL) provided a dependable estimate for the age of the sediment layers.
Based on these results, the cultural layer at Xigou dates to about 160,000 to 72,000 years ago. This provides a clear timeline for examining hominin activity at the site.
(a) Core-on-flake;
(b) Discoid core;
(c) Tanged borer;
(d) Backed borer.
Credit: Image by the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, CAS.
A detailed study of 2,601 stone artifacts shows that early inhabitants used refined methods to produce both small flakes and more formal tools. These flakes were made using a range of core reduction approaches, from simple methods to more systematic techniques such as core-on-flake and discoid strategies. The consistent retouching patterns seen on many of the smaller tools suggest a high level of technical skill and standardization.
Earliest Composite Tools in East Asia
One of the most important discoveries is the earliest known evidence of hafted stone tools in East Asia, marking the region’s first confirmed composite tools. Analysis of wear patterns revealed two types of handles, described as juxtaposed and male.
These tools combined stone parts with handles or shafts, indicating careful planning and skilled craftsmanship. They also show that these early toolmakers understood how to improve tool performance by combining materials.
The discoveries at Xigou challenge the long-standing idea that early hominins in China showed little technological change over time. The site’s stratigraphic sequence spans nearly 90,000 years and supports growing evidence that hominin diversity in China was increasing during this period. Fossils from sites such as Xujiayao and Lingjing, some identified as Homo juluensis, may help explain the advanced behaviors reflected in the Xigou tool assemblage.
A detailed study of 2,601 stone artifacts shows that early inhabitants used refined methods to produce both small flakes and more formal tools. These flakes were made using a range of core reduction approaches, from simple methods to more systematic techniques such as core-on-flake and discoid strategies. The consistent retouching patterns seen on many of the smaller tools suggest a high level of technical skill and standardization.
Earliest Composite Tools in East Asia
One of the most important discoveries is the earliest known evidence of hafted stone tools in East Asia, marking the region’s first confirmed composite tools. Analysis of wear patterns revealed two types of handles, described as juxtaposed and male.
These tools combined stone parts with handles or shafts, indicating careful planning and skilled craftsmanship. They also show that these early toolmakers understood how to improve tool performance by combining materials.
The discoveries at Xigou challenge the long-standing idea that early hominins in China showed little technological change over time. The site’s stratigraphic sequence spans nearly 90,000 years and supports growing evidence that hominin diversity in China was increasing during this period. Fossils from sites such as Xujiayao and Lingjing, some identified as Homo juluensis, may help explain the advanced behaviors reflected in the Xigou tool assemblage.
The birth of modern Man
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