In our fast-paced world, we often use the term "Stone Age" to describe outdated or primitive technologies, creating a disconnect between our modern selves and our ancient ancestors. However, a recent archaeological discovery challenges this perception. Led by archaeologist Larry Barham at the University of Liverpool, a team uncovered remarkable evidence of the earliest known use of wood technology, dating back to a staggering 476,000 years ago at Kalambo Falls, Zambia.
The archaeological site at Kalambo Falls is renowned for revealing traces of human cultural development that stretch back hundreds of thousands of years. Among the well-preserved artifacts discovered were a wedge, a digging stick, a log cut with precision tools, and a branch with a notch cut into it. These findings shed new light on the remarkable ability of early hominins (ancient human relatives) to source wood and craft it into tools and sophisticated wooden structures. While we cannot definitively identify the species responsible for this craftsmanship, candidates like Homo heidelbergensis or Homo naledi are under consideration.
This discovery holds profound implications for our understanding of sustainable materials in the Early Stone Age and the capabilities of our ancestors. To grasp the significance fully, we must appreciate the scarcity of wood in Early Stone Age deposits. Wood generally requires exceptional preservation conditions to avoid decay, such as the extremely dry or wet environments found in deserts or at Kalambo Falls, respectively.
Excavators found part of a structure formed by two overlapping logs. Barham et al. Nature (2023).
Our early ancestors would have undoubtedly utilized wood for various purposes, including crafting tools and constructing shelters. This newfound evidence confirms that wood was indeed an integral part of their technology toolkit. Previously, suspicions existed regarding the widespread use of wood by early hominins, but the absence of direct evidence prevented its acceptance as fact. Archaeology relies on tangible evidence, and the Kalambo Falls discovery transformed speculative ideas into established facts, reshaping our perception of technological history.
One of the challenges in acknowledging the use of wood in ancient times is the lingering notion of linear progress in human history. This view suggests that human technology and culture evolved from simple to complex, culminating in our modern world dominated by algorithms and advanced technology. However, the Kalambo Falls discovery challenges this narrative.
Early hominins, despite having smaller brain sizes than modern humans, displayed impressive craftsmanship and environmental consciousness. The intentionally-shaped wooden constructions found at Kalambo Falls highlight their design, technology, and creativity, reminiscent of what we now call "green technology." While modern construction materials may be nearly indestructible, they leave long-lasting and environmentally harmful ruins, with their manufacturing processes contributing to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, wood, despite its perishability, emerges as a more sustainable material.
Our ancestors would have used wood to make tools and structures for shelter. Professor Larry Barham, University of Liverpool.
Of course, wood is not without its risks, such as fire and decay, but in appropriate situations, it remains a reliable choice. The ancients may have been more progressive than we give them credit for, exhibiting a profound understanding of materials and their environment and making sound decisions that benefited the planet.
In conclusion, the evidence from Kalambo Falls suggests that early hominins were capable of utilizing materials beyond stone for their daily needs, including tool-making and shelter construction. They may have also harnessed resources from their environment for fuel and medicine. As we strive to uncover more direct evidence reaching back to the dawn of the Stone Age, discoveries like these might prompt us to reconsider history, leading us to rename the era the "Wood Age." In doing so, we acknowledge the incredible ingenuity and environmental wisdom of our ancient relatives, challenging our preconceived notions of progress and technology.
