Researchers from the University of Liverpool and Aberystwyth University have discovered a 476,000-year-old wooden structure at Kalambo Falls, Zambia, significantly earlier than previously believed. The intact wood was shaped with advanced woodworking techniques, suggesting early hominids like Homo heidelbergensis possessed sophisticated skills. This challenges the traditional “Stone Age” narrative, highlighting that early humans were capable of planning and creating with materials like wood, which has often gone unrecognized due to its tendency to rot.
The team utilized luminescence dating methods to confirm the age of the wood, revealing insights into the environmental adaptations and material choices of ancient humans. This finding suggests that early hominids utilized a wider variety of materials than previously acknowledged, indicating advanced problem-solving abilities long before modern humans emerged. Overall, the discovery at Kalambo Falls reshapes our understanding of early human technology and creativity, emphasizing their innovative potential beyond stone tools.
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