The adaptability and thinking of early hominins in Ethiopia 1.6–1 million years ago was developed

The study examines how ancient humans chose and used different types of rocks to create tools, focusing on the archaeological site of Malacca and Kena in the Ethiopian highlands, one of the oldest high altitude settlement sites in the world

Figure 1a/1b - Location and typical view of the Malka and Kenna site complex. Created by Tagno Gossa from a Google Earth image.

A new study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE deals with the decision-making processes of ancient hominins (of the human family) 1.6-1 million years ago in the Ethiopian highlands. The research, led by Dr. Eduardo Peishao from the University of Algarve (University of Algarve, Portugal), It is part of an international research project managed by Prof. Arala Hobars and Dr. Tagno Gossa from the Institute of Archeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The research findings indicate that ancient hominins made strategic decisions based on factors such as suitability, durability and efficiency of the rocks. The analyzes carried out with the help of advanced technologies such as 3D scans and photogrammetry (respectively - a technique for documenting, measuring and 3D analysis of objects and a technique of 2D photography and converting it to 3D documentation), revealed that the properties of the raw material had a significant effect on the wear patterns and the changes in the surfaces The tools, even under the same conditions of use.

Prof. Arela Hobars stated: "Our findings show that the ancient humans did not collect stones at random. They made complex decisions regarding materials that would suit their expected needs, even if the use of the various materials was identical, which indicates advance planning and an advanced level of thinking."

The research, which focuses on the Melaka and Kenna site, describes the impact of the unique environment of the Ethiopian highlands on the adaptability of early hominins. Through collaborations with the TraCEr laboratory in Germany and the Interdisciplinary Center for Archeology and the Evolution of Human Behavior (ICArEHB) at the University of Algarve, the researchers were able to create a quantitative scientific basis for understanding the technological decisions of ancient hominins.

This research is the first step in a project designed to deepen the understanding of early human technologies. In the future, the research will include additional analyzes that will focus on the relationship between the choice of raw materials and technological innovation.

for the scientific article

Figure 2 - Stone tools and hand stones from site MW2, all made of volcanic raw materials. Photo credit - Arela Hubers.

Figure 3 – Experimental mechanical setup. The elements programmed to perform specific actions are shown as well as a bone on which the stone tool was tested. Photo credit – Eduardo Paixão; Credit for writing the comments on the photo - Walter Genisinger

Figure 4 – Imaging equipment and software used to document and analyze changes in raw material properties throughout the experimental cycle. Photo by Eduardo Paixao and TraCEr.

More of the topic in Hayadan:

"Early technological decisions of hominins at the Melaka and Kena site in Ethiopia"

Synonyms for the key phrase

Early material selection, early technologies in Ethiopia, hominin tools, research on prehistoric technological decisions, use of rocks by early hominins, stone tools from Ethiopia.