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DAILY
CLASS NOTES
Anthropology

Paleolithic Age (Part- 04)

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Paleolithic Age (Part- 04)

World Level Regional variations

1. Africa - In Africa cleavers are very common
➢ The earliest known artificially modified objects (i.e. the stone tools) were found at Kadar- Gona and Hadar
in Ethiopia dated around 2.4 mya.
➢ Olduvai Gorge site in Tanzania dates to 1.85mya.
➢ L.S.B. Leakey — called — Oldowan Industry.
(The Oldowan industry represents one of the earliest stone tool cultures, dated to approximately 2.6
million years ago. It's associated with early Homo species, primarily Homo habilis and possibly Homo
erectus. The tools made during this time were simple, primarily consisting of choppers, flakes, and
scrapers, created by striking stones together to produce sharp-edged implements used for cutting,
scraping, and other basic tasks. The Oldowan tools were crucial for early humans' survival, aiding in
activities like butchering, processing food, and possibly other activities as well. This period marks a
significant stage in human technological and cultural evolution.)

❖ The Lower Paleolithic period in Africa, spanning from about 2.6 million to around 300,000 years ago,
is characterized by the presence of early hominins such as Homo habilis and Homo erectus. This era saw
the development and use of simple stone tools, including choppers, handaxes, and flakes. These tools
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were primarily found in regions like the East African Rift Valley and notable sites such as Olduvai Gorge
in Tanzania, the Turkana Basin in Kenya, and the Omo River Valley in Ethiopia. The tools were crucial for
basic tasks like cutting, butchering, and other activities essential for survival. The Lower Paleolithic era
represents a crucial phase in the evolution of human ancestors and their technological advancements.
❖ L.S.B. Leakey, a renowned paleoanthropologist, attributed the term "Oldowan Industry" to the
earliest stone tool assemblages found in East Africa. These tools, discovered by Leakey and his team in
the Olduvai Gorge of Tanzania, were primarily simple and unifacial (flaked on one side). He named this
tool industry "Oldowan," highlighting its association with early hominins, particularly Homo habilis, and
representing a significant breakthrough in the understanding of prehistoric technology and human evolution.

2. Europe
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❖ In Europe, the Lower Paleolithic period, ranging from approximately 2.6 million to around 300,000 years
ago, witnessed the presence of early human ancestors like Homo erectus. Similar to Africa, this era in
Europe is characterized by the use of simple stone tools. Notable areas where these tools have been
discovered include sites such as Boxgrove in England, Atapuerca in Spain, and Dmanisi in Georgia.
Tools from this period include handaxes, choppers, and flakes, which were utilized for basic tasks like
butchering, cutting, and other essential activities for survival. This period in Europe represents an essential
stage in the evolution of human ancestors and their technological advancements.

❖ Terra Amata ( France)

➢ Discovered by Henry de Lunby .
➢ Evidence of domestication of fire .
➢ Habitants lived in huts on the beach.
➢ Sea shells have been found.

❖ Terra Amata, located in the southern part of France near Nice, is an important archaeological site
from the Lower Paleolithic period. It was discovered in the early 1960s and contains evidence of early
human habitation. At Terra Amata, a series of semi-subterranean structures were found, suggesting the use
of shelters by prehistoric humans. Additionally, various stone tools and evidence of controlled fire use were
uncovered, shedding light on the living conditions and technological capabilities of the inhabitants during
that time, approximately 400,000 years ago.

❖ Ambrona ( Spain )
➢ Largest lower Paleolithic site in Europe.
➢ Remains of Dogs, horses, elephants etc found.

The site of Ambrona, located in the province of Soria, Spain, is a significant archaeological site from the
Lower Paleolithic period. Discovered in the 1960s, Ambrona is known for its collection of large cutting
tools, handaxes, and other stone implements. These artifacts date back to around 400,000 years ago,
shedding light on the presence of early humans, likely Homo heidelbergensis, and their technological
advancements during that era. The tools found at Ambrona provide insight into the activities and skills of these
ancient human populations.

❖ Torralba ( Spain)
➢ Torralba and Ambrona (Province of Soria, Castile and León, Spain) are two paleontological and
archaeological sites that correspond to various fossiliferous levels with Acheulean lithic industry (Lower
Paleolithic) associated, at least about 350,000 years old(Ionian, Middle Pleistocene).

Torralba and Ambrona are often mentioned together as significant Lower Paleolithic sites in Spain. The site of
Torralba, located in the province of Soria, is known for the discovery of Acheulean tools, similar to those found
in Ambrona. These tools, including handaxes and other large cutting implements, date back to approximately
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400,000 years ago. The artifacts found at Torralba provide valuable insights into the technology and
behavioral patterns of early human populations, potentially Homo heidelbergensis, during the Lower
Paleolithic era.

1. The Soanian Cultural Tradition

➢ The tradition was recognised in 1939 by Helmut de Terra of Yale University and T.T. Paterson of
Cambridge University in the Northwestern region of the Indian Subcontinent.

❖ The Soanian Cultural Tradition refers to an ancient Paleolithic culture primarily identified in the Soan
Valley, situated in parts of Pakistan and Northern India. This culture is named after the Soan River that
flows through this region. The Soanian tradition is notable for its stone tool assemblages, which were simple
and primarily made from pebbles and large stones.
❖ The tools associated with the Soanian tradition are generally unifacial and mostly composed of primitive
handaxes, choppers, and cleavers, crafted through basic stone-knapping techniques. These tools were used
for various purposes, including butchering animals and other essential daily activities.
❖ The Soanian Cultural Tradition spans a significant period of prehistory, showcasing different stages of
human habitation, tool-making techniques, and cultural developments in the region. It's often associated
with early human ancestors like Homo erectus and represents an essential phase in the understanding of
human evolution and technological advancements during the Paleolithic era in South Asia.

❖ Acheulean Culture Tradition —

➢ It basically comprises 2 parts.
1. Early Acheulean Assemblage
➢ Based on the Stone- hammer technique.
➢ Tools — Handaxes, cleavers (large size tools found)
➢ Sites — Didwana, Paisra, Hunsgi, Attirampakkam .

❖ The Early Acheulean assemblage refers to a specific phase within the Acheulean stone tool tradition, an
advanced technological stage in prehistoric stone tool-making. It represents an evolution from the earlier
Oldowan tools and is characterized by more refined, symmetrical, and bifacially worked tools.
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❖ This assemblage is marked by the appearance of more sophisticated handaxes, cleavers, and picks. These
tools are distinctive for their characteristic biface knapping technique, resulting in stone implements shaped
on both sides.
❖ The Early Acheulean tools show a greater degree of complexity and standardization in comparison to the
simpler Oldowan tools. They were crafted through a more systematic and advanced manufacturing process,
indicating a significant advancement in the cognitive and technical abilities of the prehistoric populations.
These tools were likely used for a variety of purposes such as cutting, butchering, and scraping, reflecting
an advancement in human technology and behavior during the Lower Paleolithic period.

2. Late Acheulean Assemblage

➢ Use of ‘Soft hammers’ (wood or bone) — > leading to preparation of Implements with thinner sections,
smooth surface .
➢ Increase in number of cleves + even some flake tools .
➢ Site — Bhimbetka , Kurnool (Andhra pradesh)

❖ The Late Acheulean assemblage represents the later phase within the Acheulean stone tool tradition,
continuing the evolutionary trajectory of toolmaking from the Early Acheulean period. It indicates a further
advancement and refinement in the production and diversity of stone tools.
❖ During this period, which emerged in the latter stages of the Lower Paleolithic period, the Acheulean
technology became more standardized and diversified. There's evidence of an increased variety in the types
of tools produced, including handaxes, cleavers, picks, and other bifacially worked implements.
❖ Late Acheulean tools exhibit a higher degree of craftsmanship, precision, and standardization compared to
earlier phases. These tools were more finely crafted and often display a greater symmetrical form. This
advancement might indicate an increased understanding of raw materials and improved techniques for tool
manufacture.
❖ The Late Acheulean assemblage represents a critical phase in human technological advancement during the
Paleolithic era, highlighting the refinement and sophistication achieved in tool-making techniques before
the transition to later stone tool industries.

Middle Paleolithic Periods

Intro —
➢ The Middle Paleolithic period, also known as the Middle Stone Age, represents a crucial phase in human
prehistory, characterized by significant advancements in tool technology, social behavior, and cultural
developments. It follows the Lower Paleolithic era and precedes the Upper Paleolithic period.
➢ Majorly associated with Neanderthal.
Time
The Middle Paleolithic is generally dated from around 50kya to roughly 19 kya years ago.
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❖ Key features of the Middle Paleolithic include:

1. Tool Technology —
➢ Notably, the introduction of the Mousterian tool industry, characterized by the production of more refined
and versatile tools. The tools became more diverse, with the emergence of scrapers, points, and a broader
range of stone implements.
A. Point Tools —

➢ Point tools, within the context of prehistoric stone tool industries, refer to a specific type of artifact
characterized by a sharp, pointed tip. These tools were crafted by shaping stones into a pointed form and
were commonly used for various tasks such as hunting, cutting, or woodworking.
➢ Point tools typically had a narrow, tapered end, often created through intentional flaking or shaping of the
stone, resulting in a sharp tip. They could be used for piercing or cutting tasks due to their pointed
structure, making them useful for activities such as hunting, crafting, or even engraving.
➢ Various types of point tools existed throughout different prehistoric periods, including the Middle
Paleolithic period, where they were often included in the toolkit alongside other implements like scrapers,
bruins, and other stone tools. These points served different purposes based on their size, shape, and the
needs of the ancient populations who crafted and utilized them.
B. Borer Tools —
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➢ Borer tools, in the context of prehistoric technology, are a type of specialized stone tool used for drilling
or boring holes in various materials. They typically feature a pointed or rounded end for piercing and were
often created by shaping and refining stone into a tool suitable for drilling or perforating tasks.
➢ These tools were designed to create holes in softer materials such as wood, bone, or other softer stones.
Borer tools often had a tapered or pointed end, sometimes shaped with a conical or cylindrical form to
enable the drilling action. They were essential for various activities such as crafting wooden tools, making
ornaments, or working on other materials where a hole or perforation was required.
➢ Borer tools, along with other stone implements like scrapers, points, and choppers, were part of the toolkit
used by prehistoric populations during different periods, contributing to the versatility and functionality
of their tool-making capabilities.
C. Cleaver -
➢ A cleaver is a type of large, heavy, and robust stone tool characterized by a broad, straight edge,
resembling a heavy-duty knife or meat cleaver. These tools were used for heavy-duty cutting, chopping,
and butchering tasks.
➢ Examples of cleavers found in archaeological sites, especially from the Acheulean and Middle Paleolithic
periods, typically exhibit a hefty, squared-off shape with a sharp edge. They were used for processing
meat or breaking bones for marrow extraction.
1. V-Shaped Tool —

➢ V-shaped tools, also known as bifacial tools, have a pointed or angled tip that forms a V-like shape when
observed from the cross-section. These tools were commonly used for piercing, cutting, and other tasks
that required a pointed edge.
➢ During the Acheulean period, handaxes and certain points exhibit a V-shaped profile, useful for tasks
requiring a sharp tip, such as hunting or woodworking.
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2. U-Shaped Tool —
➢ U-shaped tools, while less common in the prehistoric record, are tools with a rounded or U-shaped edge.
These tools might have served specific purposes like scraping or smoothing surfaces.
➢ U-shaped tools were likely utilized for activities where a curved, smoother edge was advantageous, such
as shaping wooden materials, scraping hides, or working on other materials that required a rounded or
less sharp edge.
D. Small Hand Axe —

➢ Small hand axes were a specific type of tool commonly found in prehistoric archaeological sites. These
tools were smaller in size compared to typical hand axes and were characterized by their handheld nature,
often more compact and versatile in use.
➢ These smaller hand axes were crafted with a bifacial working technique, shaping both sides to create a
sharp, functional edge. They were used for a variety of tasks including cutting, butchering, and possibly
woodworking. Their smaller size made them more maneuverable and practical for different activities.
➢ Small hand axes were prevalent during the Lower Paleolithic and Middle Paleolithic periods and were
part of the toolkits used by early human populations. Their versatile nature and adaptability to various
tasks made them a crucial part of ancient tool-making traditions.
E. Side Scrapers
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➢ Side scrapers are a specific type of stone tool commonly found in archaeological sites and were prevalent
during the Paleolithic era. These tools are characterized by a sharp edge on one of the longer sides, which
was used for scraping or smoothing tasks.
➢ They were created by preparing and shaping a stone to have a sharp working edge on the side. This edge
was often used for scraping or working on materials like hides, wood, or bone. The scraping action served
various purposes such as preparing materials for clothing, shaping tools, or working on different surfaces.
➢ Side scrapers were versatile tools found across different periods of prehistory, such as the Middle
Paleolithic, and were a significant part of the tool repertoire used by early human populations. They
exhibit different sizes and shapes based on the specific needs and the types of materials being processed
or worked upon.
2. Climate —
➢ The Middle Paleolithic Period evolved during IIIrd inter-glacial and warm glacial periods in Europe and
in the North Indian.
➢ While ‘Pluvial Conditions’ in south India , Africa and Tropical areas.
3. Social and Cultural Development —
➢ Evidence suggests more complex social structures, potential burial practices, and the use of symbolic
artifacts, indicating a cognitive and cultural leap among early humans.
4. Hominin Diversity —
➢ Various hominin species inhabited this period, including Homo neanderthalensis in Europe and Homo
sapiens in Africa and parts of Eurasia.
5. Adaptation and Environment —
➢ Middle Paleolithic populations adapted to diverse environments, showing increased sophistication in
hunting, gathering, and tool-making techniques to survive in changing landscapes.
6. Transition and Evolution —
➢ This period witnessed the gradual transition from the Middle Paleolithic to the Upper Paleolithic, marking
advancements in art, technology, and human behavioral complexities.

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