Prehistoric Humans in China Were Using Bone Tools 115,000 Years Ago

[Judi Lynn]

BY INDIA AISHANI ASHOK ON 03/21/18 AT 1:57 AM

Archaeologists recently analyzed 115,000-year-old bone tools that were discovered in China. The ancient artifacts hint at the possibility that prehistoric humans were likely much more sophisticated than previously thought.

Till now, the oldest bone tools discovered in China, which were spears, dated back to 35,000 years ago. However, according to a new study which saw researchers analyze the 115,000-year-old artifacts, these bone tools act as evidence of prehistoric humans having mastered sophisticated tool-making techniques.

“Prior to this discovery, research into the technical behaviour of humans inhabiting China during this period was almost solely based on the study of tools carved from stone," Luc Doyon from the University of Montreal’s department of anthropology said in a statement.

The marks discovered on the ancient bone tools indicate that humans living in China during the early stages of the Late Pleistocene period already knew the various mechanical properties of bones and how to use them to fashion tools. According to researchers, these humans were neither Neanderthals nor were they Homo sapiens.

More:
http://www.ibtimes.com/prehistoric-humans-china-were-using-bone-tools-115000-years-ago-2664515