A group from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University excavated maintained wood at Kalambo Falls, Zambia, dating back to an excellent 476,000 years. Evaluating the stone tool cut marks on the wood, the team deduced that these early humans intentionally formed and combined two logs, showcasing the intentional crafting of logs to fit together. Prior to this discovery, people were believed to only make use of wood for easier functions such as developing fire, crafting digging sticks, and making spears.
The excavation team revealing the wooden structure. Credit: Professor Larry Barham, University of Liverpool
Discoveries at Kalambo Falls, Zambia offer insights into ancient human technology.
Recent research has actually exposed that nearly half a million years ago, ancient human forefathers, predating Homo sapiens, were already engaging in advanced woodworking.
The artifacts found suggest that these human beings were building structures, possibly laying the structure of platforms or parts of dwellings, much earlier than what was when thought.
The Evidence from Kalambo Falls
A group from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University excavated preserved wood at Kalambo Falls, Zambia, going back to an impressive 476,000 years. Evaluating the stone tool cut marks on the wood, the group deduced that these early humans purposefully shaped and combined 2 logs, showcasing the purposeful crafting of logs to fit together. Prior to this discovery, humans were believed to only use wood for simpler purposes such as producing fire, crafting digging sticks, and making spears.
At Kalambo Falls, high water levels have secured and preserved these ancient wood structures.
Aberystwyth University used luminescence dating strategies, focusing on when the surrounding sands minerals were last exposed to sunlight.
Kalambo Falls, Zambia where the wood was found. Credit, Professor Geoff Duller, Aberystwyth University
The conservation of this wood is in itself remarkable. Normally, wood from such ancient times disappears and deteriorates. At Kalambo Falls, high water levels have actually protected and protected these ancient wooden structures.
Challenging Past Beliefs
These findings called into question the formerly held belief that Stone Age human beings were strictly nomadic. The abundance of resources in the area of Kalambo Falls recommends that these ancient humans might have settled, taking advantage of the seasonal water source and the surrounding forest for nourishment, permitting them to participate in construction.
Teacher Larry Barham (visualized, right) uncovering the wood structure on the banks of the river with a great spray. Credit: Professor Geoff Duller, Aberystwyth University
Teacher Larry Barham from the University of Liverpool articulated the significance of this discovery, specifying, “They utilized their intelligence, creativity, and abilities to develop something they d never ever seen before, something that had never ever previously existed.”
Advanced Dating Techniques
Dating these ancient artifacts was a challenge. Aberystwyth University used luminescence dating techniques, focusing on when the surrounding sands minerals were last exposed to sunshine. This technique pushes the limits of dating techniques, offering insights deeper into human evolution than ever previously.
A wedge-shaped piece of wood. Credit: Professor Larry Barham, University of Liverpool
Professor Geoff Duller highlighted the importance of this, mentioning that although Kalambo Falls had actually been excavated in the 1960s, the absence of sophisticated dating strategies at that time indicated the websites significance stayed veiled.
Looking Ahead
Provided its archaeological significance, Kalambo Falls is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This research study, as part of the pioneering Deep Roots of Humanity task, seeks to understand the development of human innovation throughout the Stone Age.
The wooden structure, revealing where Stone Age Humans have actually cut into the wood. Credit: Professor Larry Barham, University of Liverpool
As Professor Barham concludes, “Kalambo Falls is a remarkable site and a significant heritage asset for Zambia. The Deep Roots team is anticipating more interesting discoveries emerging from its waterlogged sands.”
Reference: “Evidence for the earliest structural usage of wood at least 476,000 years earlier” by L. Barham, G. A. T. Duller, I. Candy, C. Scott, C. R. Cartwright, J. R. Peterson, C. Kabukcu, M. S. Chapot, F. Melia, V. Rots, N. George, N. Taipale, P. Gethin and P. Nkombwe, 20 September 2023, Nature.DOI: 10.1038/ s41586-023-06557-9.